James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation if he will consider the possibility of creating a world class research base at a former school (details supplied) in County Longford, which would be recognised globally and capable of attracting world class researchers to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18090/11]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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My Department's support for the development of a world class research base is carried out through Science Foundation Ireland, which was established under the Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Act 2003 to develop and assist the carrying out of oriented basic research in strategic areas of scientific endeavour that concern the future development and competitiveness of industry and enterprise in the State.

Under this legislation Science Foundation Ireland invests in academic researchers and research teams who are most likely to generate new knowledge, leading edge technologies and competitive enterprises in the strategic areas of research that fall within the Foundation's remit, i.e. biotechnology, information and communications technology, and sustainable energy and energy efficient technologie.

In order to achieve this objective, Science Foundation Ireland operates a range of funding programmes with funding determined on the basis of world-class research excellence and utilising a competitive process of international peer review. Funding of research proposals is dependent on the availability of funding at any given time and notifications of funding calls including eligibility criteria are publicised on the Foundation's website from time to time.