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Research Funding.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 April 2009

Tuesday, 7 April 2009

Ceisteanna (8)

Sean Sherlock

Ceist:

8 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage of GDP spent on scientific research; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14612/09]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Table 1 sets out the percentage of GDP spent on Research and Development for each year from 2000-2008. However, it should be noted that, in Ireland's case, it is regarded that the level of R&D performed as a percentage of GNP is a more relevant measurement as these figures exclude the profit repatriations from multinationals. Table 1 also outlines the level of R&D as a percentage of GNP. It should be noted that the figures for 2007 and 2008 are estimates.

The background to these figures is that gross expenditure on R&D in the Irish economy has almost trebled in the ten years from 1998-2008, growing to an estimated €2.6 billion in 2008. The continuous growth in R&D performance reflects the Government's commitment to investing in Ireland's science base as one of the key cornerstones underpinning future jobs in Ireland and the lynchpin of our transformation to the Smart Economy. The significant infrastructure investment underpinning the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation over the 2007-2013 period, and the return on that investment, are central to the robustness of our economic future. During the last decade the government has instituted a number of measures designed to enhance the level of R&D performed in Ireland in both the Business and Higher Education sectors. The Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI) is ten years in place and continues to transform the research landscape in Ireland by investing in human and physical infrastructure to strengthen national research capabilities. Biotechnology and ICT were identified as key areas of opportunity for Ireland and in response the Government created the Technology Foresight Fund in 2000 and subsequently established Science Foundation Ireland to invest in academic researchers and research teams who are most likely to generate new knowledge, leading edge technologies and competitive enterprises in these areas. The Government also continues to support the performance of R&D in the business sector through the R&D tax credit and a variety of supports and programmes run by Enterprise Ireland and the IDA.

Total % of GDP spent on R&D

Total % of GNP spent on R&D

%

%

2000

1.12

1.32

2001

1.10

1.32

2002

1.12

1.36

2003

1.17

1.39

2004

1.23

1.46

2005

1.25

1.48

2006

1.24

1.45

2007 (e)

1.28

1.51

2008 (e)

1.41

1.67

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