Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Government remains committed to strategic research and development investment and recently agreed its goal for the duration of the national recovery plan to 2014 is at a minimum to sustain investment in productive research and development at the existing level as something that is fundamental to underpin the reconstruction of the Irish economy.

When I have occasion to meet corporate firms or firms involved in research and development of one sort or another, this is central to the Government's thinking on the redevelopment of the economy. Last week, I met Microsoft and its analysis of the cloud computing potential is of an industry that will be valued at approximately €40 billion by 2014 and that Ireland has significant opportunities to gain substantial elements of this. The workforce in the company whom I met were entirely committed and enthusiastic about achieving this type of goal.

The Deputy can take it that the Government is interested in continuing the priority for research and development investment. It is a central part of what the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is always focused on.

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