James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I congratulate the Minister and the Ministers of State on their appointment.

Given the increasing competitiveness faced by Irish industry and the critical importance of research and development to our future growth and competitiveness, what plans, if any, has the Minister to increase funding for research and development? More specifically, will the Minister tell us what the spending was in 2005 and 2006 and what he plans to spend in 2007? I am not seeking definite figures but rough estimates.

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