Some of the country's top research scientists, industry leaders and politicians attended the first ever Science Summit in Ireland this afternoon.
Over 250 delegates attended the conference hosted by Science Foundation of Ireland at St Patrick’s Hall in Dublin Castle.
Tánaiste Mary Harney said that perhaps five or ten years ago Ireland would not have been able to host such a gathering.
She added that in the past few years the establishment of the Science Foundation of Ireland has resulted in a significant increase in the number of world class scientists coming to work in Ireland.
Mrs Harney said this demonstrated that this country is serious about science and offers an environment of competitive excellence.
Among those attending the conference is the head of Intel, which employs over 3,500 people in this country.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said in his address that in a short few years we have transformed our economy and out society.
He also said that our future success and prosperity will be based on knowledge and learning.
