Emmet Stagg
Ceist:78 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on the estimates for her Department for 2004. [29901/03]
Vol. 576 No. 5
78 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on the estimates for her Department for 2004. [29901/03]
The Estimate for my Department for 2004 represents an overall increase of 3% over 2003. I am confident that this allocation clearly underlines the Government's commitment to continuing economic growth, maintaining the competitiveness of Irish industry, providing more high quality employment and ultimately to building a better and fairer society in the interests of all citizens.
My Department's overall Estimate clearly reflects the new and increasing emphasis on support for research and innovation, areas which are crucial to driving Ireland's future economic progress and fundamental to providing sustainable, high quality, well paid jobs in the longer term.
Overall spending on science and technology will increase by 36% over 2003 levels. The bulk of this will go to Science Foundation Ireland to fund its ambitious research programme while Enterprise Ireland will also see a significant increase in the moneys available to it to support innovation and research and development within indigenous industry. Funding to promote greater awareness of science, particularly among young people, is also being increased.