Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland was established in July 2024 and published its first 5-year strategy in March this year. The Strategy outlines a pathway towards greater connectivity of research and innovation capability across the State, strengthening connections between academia, enterprise, public policy, and society with the objective of increasing the impact of research for society and the economy. This activity will sit alongside IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland in supporting enterprise and innovation at a national level.
Following the publication of their strategy, Taighde Éireann are currently consulting with stakeholders on the appropriate suite of programmes to deliver on this aim. Minimum funding thresholds have been set as a proportion of spend and are aligned with historic levels across specialties. The emphasis on continuity of funding for discovery and blue skies research in the Programme for Government, the Impact 2030 Strategy, and the new Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland Strategy 2026-2030 all recognise and support the role of discovery research in a vibrant, competitive and innovative research environment.
Given the objects of the agency as set out in the Research and Innovation Act, 2024, the progress of the agency as set out in its 5-year plan and the active development set out above, I have no plans to establish an additional agency at this time.
