The Government is to spend more than £500 million (€634 million) aimed at making the Republic an international leader in scientific research. It is seeking to attract international scientists who will build a world-class research base here, creating jobs and wealth in knowledge-based industries.

The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, and the Minister of State for Science, Technology and Commerce, Mr Noel Treacy, made an initial call yesterday for research proposals, with individual researchers, companies and institutes able to bid for funding.