Vol. 570 No. 2
171 Dr. Devins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Irish firms, along with their names and the amount of money involved, which have participated in the EUREKA programme since its inception. [18793/03]
173 Dr. Devins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans the Government has to increase awareness of the EUREKA programme in third level colleges and among industry. [18795/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 173 together.
EUREKA is a Europe-wide, non-bureaucratic network promoting market-driven research and development projects in all fields of advanced technology. Its aim is to strengthen the productivity and worldwide competitiveness of European companies by promoting cross-border co-operation in product, processes and services research and development, aiming at the world market. The EUREKA organisation facilitates collaboration on projects of common interest. It does not provide direct financial support. The level of contribution to specific projects is a matter for the project participants themselves. Consequently my Department does not hold details of participating companies or their financial contribution to the projects in which they are involved.
During the years from the start of the programme in 1985 to 2002 a total of 35 Irish companies participated in EUREKA projects. A further 14 projects involving participation by research departments in the university sector and other state institutions were instigated. Seven new Irish collaborations have been registered in EUREKA projects so far this year. Enterprise Ireland is in regular contact with both industry and the third level sector with a view to promoting participation in international collaborative research through the wide variety of programmes in this area.
