Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 6: To ask the Taoiseach the nature and extent of the involvement of his Department on the Interdepartmental Group on Science, Technology and Innovation; the instructions he has given to his representative on this group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18386/11]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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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.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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This is a very important issue. Throughout the years, the office of the Taoiseach and previous taoisigh took a central and vital leadership role in science, technology and innovation. I was involved in devising the strategy for science, technology and innovation, SSTI, which was hailed across the board as a significant strategic step forward in investment in research and development and science and technology. The Taoiseach and representatives of the Taoiseach's office had a very important role in a whole of government approach and bringing other Departments into line with the commitment to this area. There is concern that no Cabinet member has expressed support for giving priority to research funding as part of our economic recovery.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Does the Deputy have a question?

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Will the Taoiseach agree there appears to be a marginalisation of basic research without which there can be no applied research? Has the Taoiseach met his officials on this matter and will he seek opportunities to address these concerns of the research community?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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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.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The interdepartmental group plays a central role in monitoring the implementation of Government policy and research activity, and the role of the Taoiseach's Department is essential in terms of cross-governmental statistics. Does the Taoiseach agree that the evidence shows that Ireland's research reputation is at its highest in its history? From his discussions with his representatives on the interdepartmental group, will he confirm that recently released statistics show substantial improvements in our world rankings on research and that these rankings should be accepted, acknowledged, protected and prioritised, rather than dismissed for political advantage?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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This is about our country and its potential for the future. It is true that enterprise research and development expenditure increased by 31% from €1.32 billion in 2005 to €1.87 billion in 2009. The share of exports from research and development exporting firms increased from 50% in 2003 to 76% in 2007. Among Enterprise Ireland and IDA assisted firms, the number of companies applying for research and development tax credits tripled from under 200 in 2004 to approximately 600 in 2008. We have all made these cases in the House. The Deputy's party was in government during the years I have mentioned. Research and development has always been accepted as being an important part of Ireland's progress and will continue to be so.