Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

From another perspective, we cannot have high productivity and consequently incomes without a serious commitment to innovation. Clever innovation and innovation based on our research base will drive our success in demanding markets. According to the fourth Community innovation survey, Ireland performs above the EU 15 average. This further underlines the continuing competitive attributes of the economy. It reflects the contribution of research and development and innovation programmes that are now the foundation of a successful enterprise policy.

I welcome the inclusion of a point about research in Fine Gael's motion but it is notable that the motion continues the party's decade-long failure to make a positive proposal in this area.

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