Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 606: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the establishment of a research fund which would facilitate co-operative research projects between third level institutions on a North-South basis aimed at the promotion of economic and industrial development will be considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34559/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Education and Science already has a North-South collaborative research programme in place. There are two strands, with the first covering a range of research topics across the scientific, humanities and economic disciplines. Since its launch in mid 2003, the Department of Education and Science has provided €5.5 million to support 21 projects. A total of 56 persons. 24 from northern and 32 from southern higher education institutions respectively, have been engaged under this strand, which is due to finish in autumn 2006.

The second strand is designed to engage the research and education community on issues and themes directly associated with peace and reconciliation. This programme was launched in mid-2004, and is scheduled to finish in early 2007. A total of €3.2 million, which funds five projects, has been provided by the special EU programmes body for this strand. A total of 27 personnel, 11 from northern and 16 from southern higher education institutions respectively, have been engaged under this strand.

The promotion of economic and industrial development on a North-South basis falls within the remit of Intertrade Ireland, one of the bodies established under the Good Friday Agreement. Intertrade Ireland is responsible for commissioning economic and business research on a collaborative all-island basis, which also involves higher education institutions and companies, north and south.