Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

During the debate on the Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Act 2003, much consideration was given to broadening the areas of investment for research beyond the current two, information technology and biopharmacy, to a third category, sustainable technologies. Given the dramatic increase in the price of oil since and the resultant cost to the State, is the Minister of State happy with the level of research and development in the area of renewable technologies? The only investment of which I am aware is a €7 million budget available from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources for renewable energy projects. Given the massive financial implications of dwindling oil production for the State, should it increase investment in research and development in industries such as tidal power and wind power where Ireland has a competitive advantage? Will the Minister of State commit to carrying out a review of the broadening remit of Science Foundation Ireland, as agreed in amendments to the Bill establishing it, and include sustainable technologies as suitable for investment?

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