Jimmy Devins
Ceist:172 Dr. Devins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of money which will be spent by the Government in 2003 on research and innovation as a percentage of GDP. [18794/03]
Written Answers. - Research and Development.
State allocations on science and technology are published in the annual science budget, which is prepared by Forfás. According to the most recent data – from 2001 – total Government allocations for science and technology activities was €1.76 billion, which represented 1.5% of GDP. A separate volume is also published which illustrates research and development expenditure in the public sector annually. In 2001 this was at €341.8 million, which represents 0.3% of GDP. As the relevant percentage for 2003 will depend on economic performance in the course of the year, it is not possible to provide a definitive figure for 2003 at this time.
Question No. 173 answered with Question No. 171.
Jimmy Devins
Ceist:174 Dr. Devins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on whether Ireland will meet its research and development investment target of 3% of GDP by 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18796/03]
At the European Council in Barcelona in 2002, the Heads of Government agreed that overall spending on research and development in the Union should be increased from the current EU average of 1.9%, with the aim of approaching 3% of GDP by 2010, and with two thirds of this new investment coming from the private sector. The target of 3% is for Europe as a whole rather than each individual member state, reflecting the fact that some countries such as Sweden and Finland are already above the 3% figure. The corresponding figure for gross expenditure on research and development in Ireland is currently estimated at 1.2% of GDP.
Within the context of the overall European target, it is now necessary to decide an appropriate national target for 2010, taking account of Ireland's industrial structure, current research and development performance and potential. With this in mind, I have established a high-level cross-departmental group to advise on what the appropriate target for Ireland should be. The group has established a number of working groups involving representatives from industry, venture capitalists and representatives from the universities and institutes of technology and Government Departments and agencies to advise on key issues relevant to the establishment of a national target. I expect the overall report of the high level group before the end of the year with a view to deciding on the appropriate national target.
Question No. 175 answered with Question No. 86.