asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the efforts that have been made by the Government to secure the maximum possible number of ESPRIT projects for Ireland since it is vital that Irish scientists and technologists be involved at the highest level in these pilot projects which include advanced information processing, office automation and computer integrated manufacturing, particularly since they represent employment opportunities in the future technological age.
Written Answers. - ESPRIT Projects.
177.
Ireland had played a considerable role in shaping the European Strategic Programme for Research and Development in Information Technologies (ESPRIT) which is designed to improve the competitiveness of European industry in this field.
At the Research Minister Council on 5 November approval in principle was given for proceeding with the main phase of this programme which involves the expenditure of 700 MECU of Community funds (IR£500 million) over five years.
The pilot phase of ESPRIT to which the Deputy refers, is already underway. Irish research and industrial interests have collectively obtained over 3 per cent of the total funding for this phase which is considerably in excess of pro rata return for Ireland from this fund.
To a considerable extent this return was achieved through the efforts of my Department and the National Board for Science and Technology which acted as the national co-ordinator of the programme. A considerable level of consultation took place with the European Commission to ensure that the Irish interest in obtaining a significant level of involvement in the programme was assured. This dialogue has been vigorously maintained in the preparation of the main programme. This will continue to be the case during its implementation phase. In promoting awareness of ESPRIT among potential Irish participants the NBST organised a number of seminars and kept in close contact subsequently with proposers of projects who were offered every assistance in the framing of these proposals.
Additionally, 15 Irish researchers and industrialists have been asked by the European Commission to participate in workshops designed to define the technical work programme for ESPRIT. Ireland will be represented on the management committee for the programme.