Vol. 436 No. 6
32 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Marine the aid received in Ireland under the Community Initiative STRIDE, both in terms of the results achieved and the amounts of money received; if Ireland has received aid under this initiative; and if not, the reason therefor.
Ireland's investment programme under the Community STRIDE — Science and Technology for Regional Innovation and Development — Initiative 1991-93 amounts to £13.5 million. The EU is providing some £10 million, or 75 per cent of the funding, with the balance being met from national contributions by the State and private investment.
This co-financed programme has been directed at developing research, innovation and technological capacity in the four natural resource areas of marine, environment, forestry and food. It has been undertaken under the overall lead of the Department of the Marine.
The natural resource area was chosen as the theme of the Irish STRIDE programme in recognition of the considerable development potential of the sector. Renewable resources offer immediate and genuine opportunities for sustainable economic development and job creation. I am very pleased that the Commission, in approving and co-financing the programme, endorsed the natural resources approach and accepted the need to apply additional resources to secure and develop their potential.
The expenditure to date under the programme has already strengthened the technological capacity of the resource areas concerned through the upgrading and equipping of research laboratories and facilities. There has also been a significant mobilisation of the natural resource research effort which is helping to bring about a real level of technology transfer from research institutions out to the industries themselves.
I am particularly pleased by the recognition given to marine research and development under the STRIDE programme by providing for a total investment of £8 million in the marine area over the period. This investment has enabled us, for the first time, to address the need to build up the national capability in marine science and technology. The objective is to stimulate and encourage the growth of marine-related research activities and to support the development of the marine and fisheries resource.
The funding has been spread through the key marine centres of expertise in the country. The Department's Fisheries Research Centre, the Martin Ryan Marine Science Institute at University College Galway and the Hydraulics and Coastal Management Laboratory at University College Cork have each benefited under STRIDE. In addition, there has been a substantial upgrading of the national research vessel, the "Lough Beltra" and the establishment of a new Marine Data Centre. These developments have immediate, positive implications for the marine research community, related industries throughout the country and will enable Ireland to play a greater role in European marine science programmes.
The economic effects and benefits of the Irish STRIDE programme in its totality will be comprehensively evaluated in consultation with the EU Commission, following completion of all project expenditure at the end of 1994. In the meantime, the Department proposes to carry out an interim assessment of the economic impacts of the STRIDE investment to date throughout the four natural resource areas. This will get underway shortly.
Would the Minister agree in view of the importance of research, particularly in the European context, that the sum mentioned is relatively small in comparison with other investment in research? Would he accept that this is really a matter for the European Union, if we are to develop the whole fisheries area throughout Europe? Since Ireland has 16 per cent of EU waters a considerable level of investment should be made in the whole area of marine research by the European Union. This is one area where Ireland could benefit by being recognised as the marine research member state of the European Union. Would he agree that we have an ideal case in view of the fact that we have 16 per cent of EU waters?
I agree with the Deputy and the case he has made. He has made a statement of fact. As the Deputy may be aware, Ireland is due to receive £10.125 million out of a total European Union take of £400 million ECU or approximately 3.3 per cent. The STRIDE Programme covers Objective I regions where the per capita GDP is less than 75 per cent of the European Union average and Objective II B regions where large industries are in decline. Eleven member states are in receipt of the STRIDE funds. The Deputy is right in saying we should try to gain more finance for this very important part of the marine programme. To put a philosophy into practice we must have research and development. The Deputy has made a very good point and I agree with him. As Minister for the Marine I will try to follow up on his suggestions with a greater intake in this area.
Thank you.
