FF plans to target Irish scientists abroad to create jobs

FORMAL linkages with Irish scientists abroad as a way to foster job creation here are to be proposed as part of Fianna Fail's election manifesto, expected to be published on Friday.

The party "will consider" the establishment of a science technology and innovation forum. Its membership would include Irish scientists and technologists abroad "whose advice, skills and experience could be harnessed in Ireland's interests", according to a Fianna Fail document seen by The Irish Times.

It also commits the party to the encouragement of fundamental research activities here.

Those to be targeted were part of the Irish diaspora, occupying positions of influence and working in education, industry and public policy areas. The suggested forum would consist of "these experts and their indigenous Irish counterparts which would meet annually to promote technology transfer", according to the document.

The proposed forum would not replace the Science Technology and Innovation Advisory Council established by Government following the publication in October, 1996, of its White Paper of science policy. The forum would work in parallel to the Council, a Fianna Fail source suggested yesterday.

It would foster linkages between Irish researchers here and abroad and would assist the movement of the latest research and new technologies into Ireland. Such linkages could help "to establish Ireland on a world basis as a centre of scientific and technological excellence".

"The involvement of Irish scientists and technologists who work abroad could give Ireland the opportunity to fast-track development by applying the results of basic research undertaken elsewhere. It should also enable Irish researchers, based in Ireland, to stay at the forefront of developments in basic research around the world."

The document quotes an OECD study, which stated that access to basic research was fundamental to future job creation. Ireland must maintain and encourage the development of "a national capacity to undertake fundamental research", according to Fianna Fail.