Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 November 2004
75 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the levels of investment in the field of research and development in indigenous renewable energy production; the plans that exist, in the context of the Estimates and budget 2005, to increase this investment in strategic research and development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30633/04]
View answerI am unable to give precise details of the level of funding devoted to the development of indigenous renewable energy production. This specific area falls within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Communication, Marine and Natural Resources, who has responsibility for Sustainable Energy Ireland.
However, some research in this area is conducted within the third level sector, under the two dedicated programmes of research — the programme for research in the third level institutions and the technological sector research programme. Of the €605 million allocated to date under PRTLI, a total of €295 million and €62 million has been allocated to the biosciences and environmental disciplines specifically. Within these programmes, are projects being conducted into renewable energy sources, for example in National University of Ireland, Galway. There are also two dedicated research projects into renewable energy sources being conducted in the Institute of Technology, Carlow and Limerick Institute of Technology under the technological sector research programme.
The Deputy should also note that a number of individual projects may be commissioned under the award schemes operated by the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology. I will arrange for the submission of details to the Deputy within a few days.
The Deputy will also note that I announced a 35% increase in research funding as part of the 2005 Estimates. This is evidence of my personal, and indeed the Government's commitment, to research programmes, which play a vital role in developing world-class capabilities in research and innovation and give the higher education institutions the necessary resources to meet the challenges of the knowledge society in Ireland.
