James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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18. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the immediate contingency steps she is taking with European colleagues to ensure EU research and development funding is not reduced following the decision by the UK voters to leave the EU. [32996/16]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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On 24 July the Government adopted a Contingency Framework identifying key policy issues to be managed by Government Departments arising from the referendum vote in the UK to leave the EU.

In that Framework we commit to undertaking a full assessment of the opportunities and threats arising from the future disengagement of the UK from the EU, including in relation to Horizon 2020 funded research. This will include an assessment of the possibility of a reduced overall fund if and when the UK’s contribution to the EU is withdrawn at some point. This work is being led by my Department in association with other Government Departments and relevant state agencies which fund research.

In addition, I have secured €162.5 million for Science Foundation Ireland in 2017, an increase of €5.5 million over 2016 levels.

The full impact of the UK’s departure on the EU Research and Innovation budget will depend on the conclusion of negotiations between the UK and the EU.

My officials continue to maintain regular contact with the European Commission and Member States to maximise the commitment of EU funding to Research and Innovation. The importance of budgets for these Framework Programmes in supporting economic growth and jobs is recognised by the European Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament.