Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 436: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the value for money review of science and technology spending was completed; the value of savings to the Exchequer due to the implementation of the conclusions from this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33489/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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My Department scheduled an Expenditure Review of Science & Technology Spending in 2004. The Expenditure Review was based on data and findings from three independent evaluations of individual Science and Technology Programmes, in the period 2002 to 2004, commissioned by the Department and managed by Forfás. The Expenditure Review focussed on the principal Research Technological Development and Innovation in Industry measures under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. The schemes covered by the Expenditure Review were:

The R & D Capability Grants Scheme;

The Research Technology & Innovation Competitive Grants Scheme;

The Enterprise Ireland Collaboration Programme.

The purpose of the Expenditure Review was to provide a systematic analysis of what was actually achieved by expenditure under these schemes and to provide a basis on which informed decisions could be made on priorities in this area, and thus to ensure that the benefits arising from expenditure in this area is maximised.

The Expenditure Review made a strong case for the continuation of State support in the areas of Science and Technological development. The review made significant and comprehensive recommendations on the overall usefulness of the agency supports for research and innovation in the business sector relative to national objectives with a focus on whether they constituted value for money and efficient use of public funds. These recommendations sought to enhance the quality and quantity of research supported by the enterprise agencies.

The Review was completed in 2005. Many of its recommendations were taken into account when drafting the Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation (2006 — 2013). This Strategy provides the opportunity to ensure that maximum economic and social benefits are derived from the Government's commitment of €8.2 billion to this area under the National Development Plan. The Strategy gives breadth and depth to a vision for a knowledge economy and society in Ireland backed by a wide cross section of investments by various departments and agencies, with clear targets and clear outcomes to be achieved. The Strategy is currently in the process of being implemented.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 437: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the value for money review of Science Foundation Ireland will be completed; the anticipated value of the savings to the Exchequer due to the implementation of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33490/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Value for Money review of Science Foundation Ireland programmes is nearing completion, and I expect it will be finalised in early 2008. The purpose of the review is to examine SFI's major funding programmes and make targeted comments and recommendations, where appropriate, on the overall effectiveness of the agency supports in building a world-class research system in Ireland, with a focus on whether the programmes as operated constitute value for money and efficient use of public funds. It is anticipated that the implementation of the review when completed will assist in securing value for money and maximising the economic impact from the SFI investments.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 438: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the value for money review of the FÁS competency development programme will be completed; the anticipated value of the savings to the Exchequer due to the implementation of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33491/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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An official of the Department, who is currently undertaking the IPA Masters in Policy Analysis, has been charged with conducting the Value for Money Review of the FÁS Competency Development Programme. Work has commenced on the Review and a Steering Committee comprising of representatives of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Finance, Forfás and FÁS has been established to oversee the Value for Money Review.

The Steering Committee has approved the timetable for the completion of the various stages of the Review, with the final report due to be submitted by May 2008. It is too early to state the possible implications, including potential future savings to the Exchequer, the completed Value for Money Review will have. Upon completion the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and FÁS will consider the Review's recommendations.