Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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113. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way in which partnerships have been encouraged between the Defence Forces and the private sector in County Kildare with a view to increased research, innovation and enterprise development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6368/19]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Government approved arrangements in July 2011, whereby Enterprise Ireland (EI) would support the Department of Defence and Defence Forces capability development through engagement with Irish-based enterprise and research institutes on the use and application of innovative civilian technologies in the military sphere. The Government allowed for greater engagement with EI and EI supported companies which could contribute to Defence Forces capabilities across the full range of its activities.

The Government's White Paper on Defence states that my Department will "identify opportunities for cooperative-collaborative engagement between the Defence Forces and Irish-based enterprise and research institutes, including third level colleges". In line with this, work is on-going to further develop the Defence Enterprise Initiative.

Projects proposed by research institutes and companies, where they are seeking to partner with, or involve, Defence Force participation are submitted to the Defence Enterprise Committee for consideration. The Defence Enterprise Committee consists of personnel from the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and Enterprise Ireland. All proposed capabilities are vetted and agreed at the highest level in the Defence Organisation to ensure compatibility with the roles assigned to the Defence Forces by the Government.

It is important to point out that engagement is targeted towards companies and research institutes that have relevant technologies or are developing technologies which can support Defence Force capabilities and therefore does not target specific geographical locations. However, I am aware of two projects involving the Defence Forces and County Kildare based companies or research institutes, both of which have successfully secured funding from the EU's Horizon 2020 Programme.

My Department and the Defence Forces will continue to provide assistance to Enterprise Ireland and companies supported by this agency in 2019 and beyond, with a view to increased research, innovation and enterprise development in Ireland.