¤40 Million for Science Research – Statement by Minister Martin
¤40 Million for Science Research Statement by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin TD
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin TD, today (Monday 19th Feb 2007) announced the allocation of ¤40 million to four Government Departments involved in performing or funding public sector research across a range of areas covering; agriculture, food, health, marine, energy, and the environment. “This innovative Fund exemplifies the whole of government approach that we are bringing to this key policy area of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)”, the Minister said.
“Ireland has established itself as a major global base for companies which are pushing back the frontiers in areas such as technology, medicine, pharmaceuticals as well as the agri-sector.”
The comprehensive STI Strategy launched by Government on 18th June last year is part of the new National Development Plan (NDP), and includes a new Competitive Fund of ¤40million for additional sectoral research in 2007 and 2008. Following submissions from the government departments the ¤40m has now been allocated across Agriculture and Food, Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Environment and Local Government and Health.
The Minister said that this fund is breaking new ground in funding public research and commented, “It is important that we keep our competitive edge, and having a properly funded Science, Technology and Innovation strategy is key. The funding I am now releasing will be used over the next two years and is part of the ¤8.2bn allocated to my Department for such initiatives under the NDP.” The funding will continue in 2009 and 2010.
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Notes for Editors
Additional information on the research supported by this Fund is available from the individual departments concerned. The following are some detailed examples:
Marine Functional Foods
This project aims to develop a strong inter-disciplinary team to aid the development of marine functional foods. The extraction of high quality fish oils with medicinal properties is a key example (Omega 3 and others). The project will link the Marine Institute with Teagasc, BIM, Universities and Industry (Food, Fish and Pharmaceutical/Health Care)
This new funding will be complemented by DCMNR funding to the Marine Institute, EU and Industry sources in order to develop a world-class research capability in this new area. A network of interested stakeholders has already been established.
Marine Environment and Climate Change
This is an example of policy support research involving Marine Institute together with Environment Protection Agency, Met Eireann, Universities and Companies (research providers). The lead Government Departments include: DCMNR, DELG and DoT.
The project combines the use of biological and physical markers to provide early warning on changes to the North Atlantic Drift (Gulf Stream). The facilities of the Marine Institute in Newport Co Mayo and in Oranmore are ideally located for such research. It is anticipated that the project will receive significant co-funding from EU and other International Organisations, DCMNR and Industry.
Integrated Marine Exploration
The purpose of this project is to further develop national capacity in marine exploration by developing a pool of trained personnel who can utilise national assets and to increase the quantum and nature of information gathered on surveys. This will involve further developing a multi disciplinary team of field-based scientists who will have skills in the core disciplines of Oceanography, Marine Geology, Biology and Chemistry.
The project will be led by the Marine Institute who will use its two world-class research vessels to support the research. The partners in the project include: HEA, Met Eireann, Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), Irish and International Universities and Industry.
Environmental Issues
The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, will receive a total of 8.0m for a total of three projects, which will be managed by the EPA. These include:
A project on Climate Change, which will provide a stronger scientific basis to inform policy measures in the context of a new Climate Change Strategy to be launched soon;
A project on Trans boundary air pollution, which will improve knowledge on levels, impacts and measures to reduce emissions;
A project to provide a national response to the EU development of the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security - GMES. The main aim of GMES is to bring data and information providers together with users, so they can better understand each other and make environmental and security related information available to the people who need it through enhanced or new services."
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Last modified: 19/02/2007
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