Ireland is to target a bigger slice of the €50 billion European Union fund earmarked for research and development over the next six years.
The Cabinet Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation today agreed that the State should target an extra €200 million from the seventh EU Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7).
The increased target will see Ireland working to achieve €600 million from the FP7 which is part of the EU Commission's drive to help Europe catch up with Japan and the United States in research and development.
The Programme was launched at the end of last year with a budget of approximately €50 billion covering the period 2007 to 2013.
Under its Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) 2006-2013, the Government had set a target of €400 million to be secured by Irish participants in FP7.
This target was set, however, before the final structure and budgets for FP7 had been finalised.
Over recent months, the Cabinet Committee has set about reviewing the set of indicators by which Irish participation in FP7 would be monitored and proposed a new, more detailed set of targets for Irish participation in the programme up to the end of 2013.
"Based on the work undertaken, the Cabinet Committee has agreed that the total share of EU funding to be targeted by Ireland over the lifetime of FP7 should be in the region of €600 million," it said.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheal Martin said: "The Framework programme has enabled academic and industry research groups to work with peers across Europe and derive the benefits associated with collaborative research. Between now and 2013 we must build on the progress which has been made."
Mr Martin said: "Ireland has a reputation as a location for cutting edge research and this is bringing jobs into our communities.
"Already under phase six of the Framework Funding (FP6) Irish researchers have worked side by side with colleagues across Europe on more than 500 projects.
"Now it is time to build on that and our new funding target reflects our commitment to continue having a lead research role within the EU and at a Global level," he added.