Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
208. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding allocated to the establishment and implementation of the national cluster programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33331/23]
View answerThe White Paper on Enterprise, which was published last December, sets out Ireland`s industrial policy for the medium- to long-term. It recognises the importance of clustering to sustain and develop competitive advantage in areas of strategic importance and potential, in particular the twin transitions of green and digital. Under the Pillar titled “Building on Strengths and Opportunities” it foresees an enhanced role for clustering in delivering our enterprise policy goals.
The White Paper provides for the development of a National Clustering Programme to be delivered through a central coordination mechanism. The National Clustering Programme will encourage the formation and strengthening of cluster organisations, and will take a medium to long term funding view for established clusters. It sets a target to fund five national cluster organisations by 2025.
Grant Thornton was commissioned by my Department to undertake research to develop an evidence base to support the development of a national clustering policy and framework. The report, which was published on my Department’s website in March 2023, is being used to inform the direction of the National Clustering Programme.
The first of consecutive two year White Paper on Enterprise Implementation Plans was published in May. It sets out that the National Clustering Programme will be devised by the end of Q3 2023 and its implementation will be commenced in Q4 2023. The funding for the National Clustering Programme will be determined in the course of the standard annual estimates process.
