Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Commissioner is welcome to the House. I agree with her that Horizon 2020 is very important, particularly if we are to encourage states to continue to invest in research and innovation. The Commissioner mentioned a third-level call to consolidate research. I am conscious that there is so much research going on, although it may not be enough, involving that which is publicly funded either by individual states or the EU. What plans does the Commissioner have to encourage such a call? A call is all well and good but we really need to ensure that if research is going on across the EU, it should be available for all. Certainly, if it is efficient and publicly funded, it makes sense to be consolidated and available for all.