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Geoghegan-Quinn has unique opportunity for Ireland

Issued : Tuesday 9 February, 2010

Speaking on the confirming of the new commission by the European Parliament Alan Kelly ME said: "Maire Geoghegan-Quinn has a terrific opportunity to direct European policy with her portfolio and Ireland should benefit from this.

"As a small open flexible economy, we need to be plugged into European policy on science, research and innovation.

"We will only get out of our current difficulties by investing in people who can make the most innovative and cutting edge products in the world and using that money to fuel job creation in the rest of the economy.

"Commissioner Geoghan-Quinn received an excellent portfolio in this regard and any future Irish government should make the most of this fact.

"One specific area she should address are the research grants for companies and universities under FP8.

"These are funds to help to turn innovative ideas into commercial reality and this area needs serious reform if Irish people are going to benefit.

"These funds must be made less bureaucratic to apply for. They also must be changed so that more areas of technology can be included, such as medical devices which are becoming more and more crucial to the Irish economy. It should also include pharmaceuticals, IT and renewable energy.

"We have not received enough economic benefit from EU funded innovation schemes and turning these schemes into commercial realities will be the test of Ms.Geoghegan-Quinn's Commissionership."