More than €16 billion will be allocated to European Union research pojects under the Sixth EU Framework Programme (FP6) which was launched in Dublin Castle today.
The four-year programme will begin in 2003.
Enterprise Ireland has established a body to provide information and support for potential participants in FR6.
Launching the programme, the Tánaiste, Ms Harney, said: "The Government is committed to the development of a knowledge-based economy capable of sustaining economic growth and more and better quality jobs."
She described the programmes as a "crucially important source of funding to support the growth of the Irish research base".
Ms Harney said the Government was determined to secure the maximum benefits from the programme. "The Framework Programme will compliment the Government’s investment of €2.5 billion in research, technological development and innovation through the National Development Programme".
