Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
230. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline Ireland's progress in international research collaboration during 2025, including developments on CERN and the EU Quantum Pact. [67776/25]
View answerImpact 2030, Ireland’s national research and innovation strategy, launched in May 2022. With two years remaining in the current EU Research and Innovation Framework programme, Ireland is on track to meet or exceed the €1.5 billion target that was established in Impact 2030.
The first two Talent and Innovation attachés have been appointed under Global Citizens 2030, Ireland’s Talent and Innovation Strategy, and are placed in Irish Consulates in Boston and San Francisco to support connectivity between the US regions and higher education and research organisations in Ireland. It is intended that six attachés will be appointed by 2030.
In relation to developments in access to international research infrastructure, Ireland joined CERN as an Associate Member State on 22 October 2025 and Irish students, researchers and enterprise now have access to CERN opportunities. A National Advisory Committee to support and maximise the opportunities provided by Ireland's Associate Membership is being established. The group will include representatives from industry, education and research and will consider how to strategically maximise engagement with CERN. A National CERN Stakeholder Forum will also be established for businesses, researchers and institutions to keep up to date with the latest developments and to provide insight and feedback on existing supports and potential future measures.
Earlier this year I signed the European Quantum Pact, which represents a significant step forward in Ireland’s commitment to advancing quantum research and innovation. Officers from my Department are engaging in the relevant EU activities.
In support of its developing strategy, Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland is currently developing a new International Strategy, with a multi-faceted action plan involving business development and fostering new collaborative partnerships, the promotion of Ireland and Irish research, and deepening engagement within the European Research Area and with the European Centres of Excellence. In 2025, Research Ireland continued to build on Ireland’s success in securing funding from International and EU research programmes.
