Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 July 2016
869. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to account for the current Irish representation on the EU committees that determine the work packages of Horizon 2020 initiatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24195/16]
View answerHorizon 2020 is implemented by the European Commission with the assistance of programme committees, formally known as “Configurations of the Committee for the Specific Programme Implementing Horizon 2020”. The committees are aligned to the various strands of activity in Horizon 2020 and are the primary mechanism by which member states can influence research themes and calls for proposals. There are 14 of these configurations, as follows:
1. Strategic Configuration
2. European Research Council, Marie Skodowska-Curie Actions, Future and Emerging Technologies
3. Research Infrastructures
4. Information and Communication Technologies
5. Nanotechnologies, Advanced Materials, Biotechnology, Advanced Manufacturing and Processing
6. Space
7. Innovation in Small & Medium Enterprises and Access to Risk Finance
8. Health, Demographic Change and Well-being
9. Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry, Marine, Maritime and Inland Water Research, and the Bio-economy
10. Secure, Clean and Efficient Energy
11. Smart, Green and Integrated Transport
12. Climate Action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials
13. Europe in a Changing World - Inclusive, Innovative and Reflective Societies
14. Secure Societies – Protecting Freedom and Security of Europe and its Citizens
The National Support Network for Horizon 2020 in Ireland provides the National Delegate, an expert in the relevant area, to each of these committees. My Department attends the Strategic Configuration of the Programme Committee, which is responsible for overall coherence of the programme as well as cross-cutting issues.
