Vol. 576 No. 5
122 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the critique of Government policy on the software industry since 1997, in which political involvement for misplaced priorities is blamed by a person (details supplied). [29638/03]
The supports available with regard to advancing the software sector are primarily a matter for the State agencies involved, in this case Enterprise Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland, and not one in which I have a direct function.
It is not possible to comment on the views referred to in the article as they were not justified in great detail. Furthermore, it appears that Enterprise Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland have adequately responded in the article.
On Enterprise Ireland's supports, it should be noted that these supports are demand led. Enterprise Ireland has not curtailed support to high potential start-up companies.
With regard to research and development, the Government remains determined to progress this agenda. Indeed, efforts in this regard were greatly facilitated by the widespread support given by this House to the passage of the Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Act 2003. Science Foundation Ireland, SFI, is strongly focused on research in strategic areas where Ireland has a competitive advantage. Approximately 60% of SFI commitments to date underpin the ICT sector. My Department's 2004 Estimate provides a 62% increase to SFI and a 12% increase to Enterprise Ireland to support research and development activities. The announcement, by my colleague the Minister for Finance, of a 20% research and development tax credit is further evidence of Government support for providing a strong foundation for the development of high technology and research intensive sectors such as software in Ireland.
My Department will continue to work towards the long-term aim of moving Ireland's economy up the value chain by actively supporting the State agencies' strategies with regard to research and development.
