Dáil debates

Tuesday, 19 April 2005

2:30 pm

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I wish to ask the Taoiseach two questions regarding his comment on the Lisbon Agenda in respect of the importance of competitiveness. For young people, some of whom are in the Visitors Gallery, the extent of research and development that takes place in this country is far from what it should be. In the context of the Lisbon Agenda, does the Taoiseach see a problem here? Given the spread of our universities and colleges of technology, there is no correlation between them and business to be a magnet for the attraction of heads of faculty to do that kind of research. For example, many universities in the United States can offer serious monetary and other packages to heads of faculty, professors, Nobel laureates and so on. This is a huge attraction for those at the higher levels, at the cutting edge, not to be involved in Ireland. Does the Taoiseach see that as a problem for the future and, in terms of the Lisbon Agenda, how does he see Ireland fitting in with that?

The Taoiseach said last week that the review of state aid rules, which is being undertaken, must be Lisbon sensitive if Europe is to remain an attractive location for future global investment. He also said that the wording proposed by Ireland was included in that section. What does he mean when he says the review of state aid rules must reflect that? Arising from the wording that was inserted at Ireland's proposal, what does this mean for us in the Irish context?

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