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

I will answer the question about INTERREG and the figure of €2.77 million first. It was not possible to spend any of this allocation in 2016 due to certain circumstances. The circumstances related to the finalisation of the new programme. This was delayed due to procedural and technical issues between the EU managing authority and various stakeholders. This delayed finalisation of the precise terms and conditions of the new programme. This process was ongoing during 2015 at the time when the Revised Estimate Volume for Public Services 2016 was being completed. Thereafter and significantly, when applications from promoters were eventually able to proceed and were received by the EU managing authority in 2016, the Brexit referendum stalled the process completely, as it was unclear what the position in respect of the EU refund would be after the UK left the EU. There was considerable doubt for some time over whether the programme could proceed. However, in recent weeks a resolution has been achieved. This has involved complex discussions between the EU managing authority, the EU Commission and Government officials in Dublin, Belfast and London. The resolution came too late for any funds to be expended in 2016. However, expenditure will commence in 2017.

I was asked a question about Science Foundation Ireland and the €27 million programme. The additional €27 million will be for equipment. This brings the total SFI budget in 2016 to €184 million. The awards will be announced soon. I can say that they specifically relate to the seven universities in Ireland, as well as the Royal College of Surgeons, Waterford Institute of Technology, Teagasc, and the Tyndall National Institute. I can confirm the figure for Waterford Institute of Technology will be a little more than €1 million.