Willie Penrose
Ceist:103 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on the operation of the proposed Foresight fund. [8024/00]
Written Answers. - Technology Foresight Fund.
Michael Creed
Ceist:106 Mr. Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the operation of the £560 million Foresight fund as provided for in the national development plan; her further views regarding the possible creation of new stand alone research institutes without the necessary linkages which currently exist between industry and universities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6966/00]
Alan Shatter
Ceist:120 Mr. Shatter asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the portion of the promised £560 million designated for research in the national development plan earmarked for health related research and development projects; if this funding will be allocated to existing health agencies, universities and other third level bodies or to new stand alone institutes; and the Government's policy on this research funding. [5520/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 103, 106 and 120 together.
The £560 million Technology Foresight Fund was recently established in response to the increasingly important link between technological development and the future competitiveness of Irish based industry. It marks a new departure for public sector investment in modern sectors of technology, identified by the highly consultative technology foresight study, as being key drivers in future competitiveness.
The new fund will be used to establish Ireland as a location for world class excellence in niche areas within information and communications technologies and biotechnology. A dedicated foundation, operating under the aegis of Forfás, is being established to manage, allocate, disburse and evaluate expenditure from the fund.
In achieving its objective, the foundation will consult widely with national and international experts, in selecting the niche areas, fund world class research in the selected niches, on the basis of a competitive international peer review process and ensure that continuation of support for any project, funded by the new foundation will be dependant on a continuing research output, at a world class level. It is envisaged that the new foundation will have a two pronged approach to funding. First, researchers in third level colleges and research institutions will be offered the opportunity to compete for funds through the international peer review process. Second, the foundation will have the option to establish its own laboratories if necessary to secure world class performance.
As can be seen from this fears expressed in the past by some third level researchers that this foundation will be a stand-alone institution are unfounded. The ultimate success of this investment will be a strong partnership with the other players – industry, third level colleges, research institutes and research funding bodies.
In response to Deputy Shatter's query about the level of funds to be awarded to particular types of research, decisions on this matter will be a function of the management of the new foundation and will emerge from the consultation and competitive process which I have already outlined. However, I stress that the Technology Foresight funding is additional and complementary to existing spends by Departments and agencies. It may supplement existing research activities to enable them to achieve the required standard and scale.