Government launches Innovation 2020 science plan

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has launched an ambitious new Government plan he hopes will see Ireland take advantage of developments in the lucrative science and research sector by the end of the decade.

The Fine Gael leader revealed the target alongside Job Minister Richard Bruton and Innovation, Skills and Research Minister Damien English at the launch of the Innovation 2020 programme yesterday.

The five-year strategy aims to double spending on research and development by the end of the decade by linking up with high-profile international research organisations like Cern and the European Southern Observatory.