John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the implementation of the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006 to 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37935/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In the months since the launch of the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) in June, 2006 the following implementation initiatives have been set in train:

The composition and terms of reference of Technology Ireland (TI) have been agreed and it has become operational. TI, which operates under the aegis of the Office for Science and Technology, is charged with ensuring coherence in activating the enterprise elements of the SSTI.

The counterpart of TI in the higher education area of the SSTI is the Higher Education Research Group (HERG). The terms of reference of HERG and its institutional membership have been agreed and it will hold its first meeting shortly.

The 2007 work programme of the Advisory Committee for Science has been approved and is ongoing.

A National Director for the 7th EU R&D Framework Programme has been appointed as has the network of national delegates and national focal points. The Framework Programme was launched at national level earlier today.

For the most part these might be termed the implementing structures of SSTI. Their work programmes will address in a complementary way the realization of the objectives of the SSTI. In addition, the InterDepartmental Committee on SSTI has been reactivated to drive all aspects of the strategy. The InterDepartmental Committee reports in turn to the Cabinet SubCommittee on SSTI so there is both administrative and political oversight of delivery of the different strands of the Strategy, and scope for its review on an ongoing basis.