Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 287: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in relation to the strategic innovation fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43018/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Strategic Innovation Fund was established by the Government to promote collaboration, support change and enhance quality in Irish higher education so that it is equipped to meet the challenge of driving Ireland's development as a leading knowledge economy. It reflects the reality that for Irish higher education to attain world class standards, we need to identify creative approaches that build on the collective strengths of our institutions, working together as a cohesive system. The Strategic Innovation Fund involves the provision of €300 million over five years.

In July 2006 a first call for proposals under this Fund was issued by the Higher Education Authority to third level institutions. Two further calls of €130 million each are envisaged.

On 24 October 2006 I announced details of the allocation of over €42 million to third level institutions across the country under this first cycle of funding from the €300 million fund. A total of fourteen major projects have been approved for funding following an independent assessment conducted by a panel of international experts.

The projects approved are aimed at enhancing collaboration between higher education institutions, improving teaching and learning, supporting institutional reform, promoting access and lifelong learning and supporting the development of fourth level education. Due to the collaborative nature of the projects approved, all seven universities, thirteen institutes of technology and the DIT will be involved in a number of projects. This strong level of collaboration between universities and institutes of technology is particularly encouraging.