Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 7: To ask the Taoiseach the terms of reference of the recently established Innovation Taskforce to support the development of the smart economy; when he expects that the task force will report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27239/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 8: To ask the Taoiseach the functions, programme of work and membership of the Innovation Taskforce which he established on 29 June 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27251/09]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 9: To ask the Taoiseach the progress made to date by the task force on innovation; when he expects to receive the final report of the task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30661/09]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 10: To ask the Taoiseach the role and remit of the Innovation Taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33521/09]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 to 10, inclusive, together.

I appointed the Innovation Taskforce on 29 June last. The task force has been asked, in the context of the Government's framework for sustainable economic renewal, Building Ireland's Smart Economy, and the strategy for science, technology and innovation, to: examine options to increase levels of innovation and the rates of commercialisation of research and development on a national basis with a view to accelerating the growth and scale-up of indigenous enterprise and to attract new knowledge-intensive direct investment; bring forward proposals for enhancing the linkages between institutions, agencies and organisations in the public and private sectors to ensure a cohesive innovation and commercialisation ecosystem; and identify any specific policy measures which might be necessary to support the concept of Ireland as an international innovation development hub including in the areas of legislation, educational policy, intellectual property arrangements, venture capital and immigration policy.

The task force members have a wide range of expertise and include individuals with global experience in international companies and entrepreneurs who have recently established and grown successful start-up companies. There is also representation from the higher education sector and senior representatives from a number of Departments and agencies. A full list of members is being circulated with this reply.

The task force has established four working groups focusing on more specific aspects of its terms of reference. It has also undertaken a public consultation process giving groups and individuals the opportunity to provide relevant views or submissions for consideration. The closing date for submissions was 18 September and approximately 100 have been received.

The next meeting of the task force is on 30 October and it is expected that the task force will report early in the new year.