asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he is aware that the European Commission has adopted two separate but complementary communications on telecommunications and biotechnology programmes which are of vital importance to Ireland; and, if so, if he will outline the priorities he wishes to see pursued in the Irish context.
Written Answers. - Telecommunications and Biotechnology Programmes.
176.
I am aware of the two EEC Commission communications referred to by the Deputy but would point out that the proposals in these communications have not yet been agreed by the Member States of the Community.
In so far as the Commission's proposals on telecommunication are concerned my main priority is to ensure that all telecommunications manufacture equipment within the Community comes within the scope of the proposals and that such proposals as may be agreed will lead to the stimulation and expansion not only of the telecommunications manufacturing sector itself but also of the new information technology sector for which telecommunications provide the key infrastructure.
As regard the Commission's proposals on biotechnology, my main concern will be to ensure that these proposals will continue to focus on research and development in such areas as food products, pharmaceutical services and human and animal diagnostic products which are the priority areas from an Irish point of view.