Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 483: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action taken to implement the strategy on science technology and innovation; the parts that remain to be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26900/08]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has set a goal for Ireland to become a leader in research and development and innovation and has committed a budget of €8.2 billion under the NDP 2007-2013 and the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) 2006-2113 towards achieving this goal.

My Department has responsibility for overseeing and directing the full implementation of the SSTI. It has ensured that the governance structures established to guarantee effective interaction, coordination and review of outputs across eight Government Departments, the Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser, state agencies and higher education institutions worked together to implement the Strategy.

At the apex of this whole of Government system is the Cabinet Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), chaired by An Taoiseach. Its membership is composed of the key stakeholder Ministers. The Committee's objective is to ensure that the environment for science, technological development and innovation is conducive to maintaining Ireland's competitiveness and to further developing Ireland's position as a dynamic, knowledge driven economy. Following the publication of the SSTI in June 2006, the Interdepartmental Committee (IDC) on Science, Technology and Innovation, chaired by my Department, has reported to the Cabinet Committee on three occasions to brief members on the progress made in implementing the Strategy.

I recently presented the draft first report on the implementation of the SSTI to the Cabinet Committee on STI. The Committee approved the report, which will be published shortly. The report confirms that substantial progress has been made in realising the Strategy's objectives. Highlights from the report include:

Ireland's expenditure on R&D had increased from 1.32% of GNP in 2000 to 1.56% of GNP at end 2006;

Higher Education R&D spending has almost quadrupled in current terms over 10 years and is now at the EU and OECD average levels. This investment is having a significant impact in terms of human capital development, attraction of foreign direct investment and commercialisation;

The SSTI target to double the output of PhDs by 2013 is advancing significantly;

The number of Principal Investigator Research teams funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) has been increased from a baseline of 200 in 2005 to 284 by end 2007;

The fourth cycle of the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI), which was announced in August 2007 with an allocation of €230 million, is set to deliver 819 spaces and approximately 600 highly qualified research personnel;

R&D performed in the business sector (BERD) rose by 17.3% to an estimated €1.56 billion in 2006, almost double the level recorded in 2000. Enterprise Ireland and IDA continue to work closely with companies to strengthen the research and technological base of the enterprise sector to underpin future competitiveness and quality employment and thereby drive forward the target of growing BERD to €2.5 billion by 2013;

Solid progress is being made by the Departments of Education and Science; Health and Children; Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; Communications, Energy and Natural Resources; and the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in implementing the key actions in their sectoral areas; and

the SSTI is being taken forward in an all-island context.

Overall, I am satisfied that the investment that has been made to date in human capital, physical infrastructure and commercialisation of research will contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the SSTI. My Department will continue to oversee and coordinate the work of the various groups and sub groups to ensure that all of the key actions in the SSTI will be implemented by 2013.