Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

In December 2008, the Government published its framework for sustainable economic renewal which contained 125 action points. I have referred previously to one of those points which was new, the innovation fund of €500 million. I ask the Taoiseach to clarify the position. My understanding is that nothing has yet been spent with regard to this fund. Is this €500 million still intact? Is there a programme for expenditure in the innovation area of the €500 million identified in that report? How does the line Minister propose to deal with it or spend it? I am concerned by the recent remarks by the chief executive of Science Foundation Ireland about the concerns for our programme for innovation and the decrease in the number of doctoral students. This is an important point in that plan and €500 million is a very substantial amount of money. I believe in innovation and research-----

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