Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Promoting and supporting research and development, science, technology and innovation, are core aspects of the Government's strategy for supporting enterprise and growing sustainable employment.

As is the long-established practice for many strategic policy areas, an official from my Department participates in the relevant interdepartmental group, in this case the interdepartmental group on science, technology and innovation. This group reports to the Cabinet committee on economic recovery and jobs which I chair.

I receive reports and briefings on progress in this policy area through my role as chair of Government meetings, through relevant Cabinet committee meetings and on other occasions as appropriate, for example when I meet representatives from the corporate sector.

However, science, technology and innovation policy is primarily the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. The Minister deals with questions on these issues, including parliamentary questions, on a regular basis.

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