Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

We have an overall monitoring of the economy and of broad sectors. I prefer to look at these situations as challenges.

To deal with Deputy Reilly's point, the Forfás annual report contains very good data on the dramatic increases in research and development expenditure over the past few years, particularly in 2006 and 2007. I do not have the specific figures here but sufficit to say our plans are very clearly articulated in the science and technology innovation strategy which aims to do the following: double PhD numbers by 2013; double the business spend on research and development between now and 2013; strengthen the partnerships between industry, universities and institutes of technology, in which the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ahern will have a key role; increase the technology transfer from third level campuses to businesses; and increase participation rates in science and information technology courses.

See this speech in context