Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First of all, I absolutely reject the allegation of propaganda. Second, we believe in what we are doing. We believe that innovation is hugely important. We have been involved in it for the last 15 years and we are seeing a payback. I can assure the Deputy that when Enterprise Ireland and the IDA are bringing FDI companies to our country, one of the first questions FDI companies ask concerns innovation. I certainly cannot find anything wrong. I think it is very unfair of the Deputy to say that he cannot find anything wrong within the figures he has been given. Those are the audited figures and we are happy that it is working. The IDA estimates that approximately 40% of its job announcements can be linked to our investment in science and technology through Science Foundation Ireland.

Companies in receipt of Enterprise Ireland supports reported 30% more employment than those companies which are not active in research and development. It also contributes to the building up of important human capital, which attracts foreign direct investment into this country. I, therefore, make no apologies for it.