Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 474: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the value for money review of science and technology spending will be complete; the value of the anticipated savings to the Exchequer due to the implementation of this report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26679/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Department undertook an Expenditure Review of spending on Science & Technology in 2004. The Review was completed in December 2005 and presented to the Expenditure Review Steering Committee in Department of Finance. It was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas during 2006.

The Review focussed on the principal Research Technological Development and Innovation in Industry measures under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. The schemes assessed under the Expenditure Review over the period of operation 2000-2003 were:

The R & D Capability Grants Scheme;

The Research Technology & Innovation Competitive Grants Scheme;

The Enterprise Ireland Collaboration Programme.

The Expenditure Review contains a number of findings on the effectiveness of the Schemes reviewed and also made targeted 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. The findings make a strong case for the continuation of State support for the agency RTDI Competitive, Collaboration and Capability schemes in a more focussed and co-ordinated format.

The review contained a comprehensive list of recommendations, aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the Programmes reviewed and to improve the quality and quantity of research supported by the enterprise agencies. Many of the recommendations were mirrored in the Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation 2006–2013 and at this stage the bulk of them have been implemented by the two agencies involved — Enterprise Ireland and IDA.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 475: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the value for money review of Science Foundation Ireland will be complete; the value of the anticipated savings to the Exchequer due to the implementation of this report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26680/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Value for Money review of Science Foundation Ireland programmes is nearing completion and is expected to be finalised in July 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)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 476: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the value for money review of the FÁS competency development programme will be complete; the value of the anticipated savings to the Exchequer due to the implementation of this report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26681/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department is currently conducting a Value for Money Review of the FÁS Competency Development Programme. The Competency Development Programme is the main FÁS programme for supporting the training of people in employment. It is expected that the Value for Money Review will be completed during Autumn 2008.

It is not possible at this point in time to estimate savings accruing from implementation of this report as the report findings are not yet available.