There has been criticism from business bodies following reports that research funding to Irish universities is to be cut by €150m.
ICT Ireland, which represents the high-tech industry, said investment in research at third level institutions should be increasing rather than being cut back.
The Irish Medical Devices Association said the decision by the Department of Education to withhold the funding called into question the Government's commitment to the 22,000 jobs in the medical devices and diagnostics sector.
The IMDA's Sharon Higgins described the move as a huge blow to the sector and called on the Government to reverse it.
