Press Release

Immediate Release

Innovation Task Force report welcomed by Irish Exporters Association (IEA), who stressed the need to go for "low hanging fruit" with little or no cost to implement

The IEA stated today (11th March) after the launch of the Governments Innovation Task Force Report that whereas it was broadly welcomed by the Exporters Association, there was concern that many of the immediate low cost recommendations were unlikely to be implemented with the current industrial unrest in the Public service continuing to escalate.

John Whelan, Chief Executive of the Exporters organisation stated;

"The Innovation Task Force report sets out Irelands commitment to the creating an innovation island, export led with smart technology, and ambitious entrepreneurs.

There are many very worthwhile recommendations some with investments issues, which in the current economic climate will prove hard to fund. But there is a bank of already paid for inventions lying idle in many of our third level research organisations which the Task Force rightly identifies as a key area for immediate action . An early release of the Intellectual Property tied up in these institutions could provide many indigenous Irish businesses with cutting edge new products and services for export markets. This is a gold mine on our door step that the Task Force should ensure is immediately followed up and implemented. "

However, John Whelan went on to warn that getting the Public sector back to normal working practices and providing basic services in a normal manner will be the first essential task of Government , if any of the Innovation Task force recommendations are to see the light of day.

John Whelan , also welcomed the recommendations for attracting entrepreneurs to Ireland, and stated it was very much in line with the IEAs' Pre- Budget submission to the Minister for Finance, and said;

"The recommendation to market Ireland as a centre for innovative export-oriented start up companies , if linked with the Irish Diaspora abroad and the tax recommendations of non � EEA nationals could prove a very lucrative and low cost route to early success in creating more cutting edge companies."

END

For Further information contact:

John Whelan, Chief Executive, Irish Exporters Association

Tel: 087 927 1243

Email: jfwhelan@irishexporters.org

Please view Summary of the Report of the Innovation Task Force HERE

Please view Full Report HERE