16th February 2018
The Minister for Training, Skills, and Innovation, John Halligan TD, has welcomed the latest figures on Government investment in research and development (R&D) published today by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. These figures are provided by Ireland to the CSO/Eurostat under Commission Regulation (EC) No. 995/2012.
Survey data in ‘The Research and Development Budget 2015-16’ publication is compiled from a comprehensive survey of all Government Departments / Agencies and shows that the Government spend on R&D was €719m in 2016 and that allocated funding for R&D is estimated at €768m in 2017.
The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and its agencies (Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland) were responsible for over half of all Government R&D investment in 2016 at €373.9m or 52.0%.
The report provides details of Government funded research programs and highlights the extent and variety of R&D being carried out in the country.
In addition, the report brings together the latest data on business, higher education and government agencies’ spending on R&D in Ireland. In 2016, Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) by all sectors of the Irish economy was €3.24 billion. The highest expenditure on R&D continues to be within the business sector, which accounted for €2.29 billion of total GERD.
Minister Halligan said: "Ireland’s future economic growth and prosperity will depend in very large measure on our continued investment in Research, Development and Innovation. This investment is all about developing a competitive, knowledge-based economy and society, driving innovation in enterprise, building human capital and maximising the return on R&D investment for economic and social progress. It is encouraging to see the increased provision in 2017, especially given the competing demands and continuing pressure on public finances. This positive momentum must be maintained and we must continue to give R&D funding sufficient priority to ensure Ireland becomes a global innovation leader."
ENDS
For further information contact Press Office, D/Business, Enterprise and Innovation ph. 6312200 or press.office@dbei.gov.ie
Notes for Editors
The Research and Development Budget 2016-17
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