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EU Programmes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 January 2014

Thursday, 23 January 2014

Questions (107)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which it is expected to obtain assistance from EU institutions towards the creation of jobs in the manufacturing and service sectors through the utilisation of science, innovation and technology grant assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3495/14]

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Written answers

Research and Innovation are of major importance given their potential role in contributing to economic recovery, competitiveness and jobs across the EU. The European Research Framework Programme - which is the largest innovation and technology programme offering grant assistance from the EU - has always been an important element in providing international linkages and enhancing the excellence of the Irish R&D system. The EU Framework Programme has enabled academic and industry research groups to work with their peers across Europe and beyond, and to derive the benefits associated with collaborative research, such as access to knowledge networks, sharing of costs and risks and, in particular for industry, the possibility of opening up commercial opportunities.

Ireland’s participation in the recently concluded Seventh Framework Programme 2007-2013 (FP7) , has been very successful. We are on track to reach our target of drawing down €600 million from FP7. According to the latest available figures (July, 2013), Ireland’s total drawdown in FP7 currently stands at €572 million with funding to private industry at €149 million, or 26% of all funding received to date. It is not possible to provide specific figures regarding support for the manufacturing and services sectors. While the funding to industry includes support for these sectors, some of the funding to higher education institutions also supports future innovation and job creation in these sectors.

Horizon 2020, the successor to FP7, offers huge opportunities to researchers, research organisations and industry to engage in cutting edge research, and power Europe towards economic recovery. With a budget of almost €80 billion, and covering the next seven years, Horizon 2020 is the biggest ever European Research and Innovation Programme and the largest worldwide. Many of our research organisations and third level colleges have developed specific strategies to improve their level of performance in Horizon 2020 and are now better prepared for participating in EU research programmes than ever before.

The Government has set an ambitious but achievable target for Irish researchers, of winning funding of €1.25 billion over the lifetime of Horizon 2020. We have proved that we have an excellent science base on which to compete successfully with the best. A comprehensive national strategy is being implemented which will direct our engagement in Horizon 2020 and ensure that we maximise the benefits for Ireland.

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