Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 July 2018
364. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which the appropriate authorities at EU level continue to offer support by way of innovation, technology or other expertise in anticipation of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31003/18]
View answerHorizon 2020 is the current EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. This is the EU programme which supports research and innovation throughout the 28 EU Member States. Funding is secured for the final work programme for Horizon 2020 which will run until the end of 2020. Brexit is therefore not expected to have a significant impact upon the activity or the funding for Horizon 2020.
In terms of European research and innovation activities, the UK is one of a number of important collaborators for Ireland under Horizon 2020. In addition to the UK, Ireland has a diversified range of collaborative links with Member States, particularly Germany, Spain and France. An analysis of Ireland's collaborations under Horizon 2020 indicates that collaborations occur in multi partner projects and that Ireland is not overly dependent on the UK for scientific collaboration in successful EU programmes.
The European Commission has recently published its proposals for the next Framework Programme, named Horizon Europe. The new proposal contains an increase in overall funding for the support of research and innovation in the remaining 27 member states, and is currently under discussion between the Commission and the Member States.
The UK has indicated that it would like the option to fully associate with the EU's research and innovation programmes.
