Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 5 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 4

Written Answers. - EC Research Framework Programme.

Theresa Ahearn

Ceist:

122 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline the number of students who went to Europe to do research under the new framework programme (1990-94); if he will further outline whether this programme will result in a further brain drain from his country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr. O'Malley)

The EC Framework Programme (1990-94) is composed of 16 specific programmes including a human capital and mobility programme under which, inter alia, research students would spend time studying abroad.

This specific programme has not yet been adopted and, therefore, no awards have yet been made under it.

The human capital and mobility specific programme is likely to be adopted in the near future. It will contain a specific provision to prevent the brain drain from disadvantaged regions and to increase the effectiveness of training, whereby support may also be given for experienced researchers to enable them to carry out research and development in such regions.