Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The summit’s conclusions on the digital economy and innovation mark incremental rather than significant progress.  Policies agreed some time ago are inching towards implementation. A genuine single market in digital services will be of significant benefit to Ireland. It is an area which has been prioritised by the enterprise agencies for a number of years and this activity has had a big impact. The strongest part of our economy throughout the crisis has been our export-oriented sector and businesses involved in advanced technologies have been particularly strong. This did not happen by chance; it was a result of choices made over the period of a decade and more sustained commitment to the required investment in people and infrastructure. The Taoiseach’s always-partisan approach to policy and to politics has meant that he has opened many facilities that emerged from this process while pretending they appeared from nowhere.

Recently I have met with different people from the sector, particularly from the research teams which provide the foundation upon which everything is built. They are extremely concerned about the gap between the words on supporting genuine innovation and the reality of what is happening. The recent budget includes a major cut in funding for the sector. Important researchers are leaving our system. All of the research centres being announced by Ministers continue work that is already well under way, although it is often rebranded to allow Ministers to claim to be doing something new. Worst of all, other successful research teams are being closed to fund the Government’s strategy of moving funding away from more basic research and into a narrow band of areas chosen by Ministers. At a recent event in UCD the distinguished professor of physics Brian Cox said of this approach, "It makes sense until you actually think about it."

Earlier this year Ministers announced that a new strategy for science, technology and innovation is to be prepared.   Since then there has been no consultation with anyone. If the Taoiseach is sincere in his support for this sector he should insist that a proper consultation process be undertaken before any more changes are made, and this should include a genuine debate in the Oireachtas.

Most of the summit commentary was devoted to revelations about spying.   I welcome the approach of European institutions on this matter and the direct approach to US authorities undertaken by the European Parliament. The comments of countries with large intelligence services of their own brings to mind Captain Renault walking into Rick’s bar in "Casablanca" and exclaiming, "I’m shocked - shocked - to find that gambling is going on in here". If our partners in the Union want to be taken seriously on this issue they should begin by being open about their activities where these impinge on the freedoms of European citizens.

There has been much talk about extending no-spying agreements between friendly nations. If this degenerates into larger countries reaching an accommodation and ignoring their moral obligations to smaller states then it would be a disgrace. Our Government should insist that these agreements be extended to smaller countries. In particular, this matter should be formally raised with the British Government.  The very least we are entitled to is an assurance that our Government has not been and will not be spied on.

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