Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

This employment figure will grow when new industrial partners become involved in the CSET and SRC programmes on the back of further SFI investment.

SFI funding provision will increase Ireland's global reputation as a location for excellent scientific research and as a source of human and knowledge capital in order that business creating next-generation products, services and related employment are attracted to and retained in Ireland. Overall, SFI funded activities are consistent with promoting research and development as a key part of the enterprise agenda, assisting as they do the retention and attraction of quality employment and thereby increasing the value of Irish industry.

The growth that has already taken place in Ireland's research base has brought to this country world-class researchers and made available high quality graduates and PhD graduate output. This has been of demonstrable assistance to IDA Ireland in its effort to win highly competitive research investments for our country.

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