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The Minister for Research and Innovation, Mr. Seán Sherlock, TD, has today [Friday] welcomed Ireland’s continued strong performance in the EU’s programme for international collaborative research.

The European Commission’s latest report on funding for research and development reveals that Ireland has secured over €333 million under the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Development which runs from 2007 to 2013.

Speaking at a meeting of the EU Research Council in Brussels, Minister Sherlock said it was very encouraging to see that Ireland continues to punch above its weight in successfully accessing EU funding for research.

"I am particularly pleased to see that Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises have the highest participation rate in the Programme of all the 27 EU Member States. Under the Framework Programme support is given to the whole range of research activities including food, biotechnology, nano-technology, climate change, environmental services, transport, health, energy, information communication and technology.

"This Government is committed to the development of a knowledge based economy capable of sustaining economic growth and more and better quality jobs for this economy.

"Our participation in EU Research Framework Programmes has helped to increase the knowledge base and credibility of the Irish research community. It has also contributed to the creation of a well-educated, well qualified and technologically aware workforce capable of acting as a magnet to attract and retain the growing number of high technology companies based in Ireland", the Minister added.

At today’s meeting the Council discussed how EU research partnerships can maximise the contribution of Research and Innovation to achieving smart, sustainable growth in Europe. Minister Sherlock said that Ireland is playing a very active role in a number of EU research partnerships, for example in relation to neurodegenerative diseases and active and healthy ageing, all of which have important implications for Irish citizens. "

"We need to ensure that there are tangible outcomes from this research which address the real social issues such as discovering new treatments and improving palliative care "the Minister concluded.