Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
352. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to develop a new national life sciences strategy; and the expected timeline for its publication. [68282/26]
View answerThe Life Sciences sector is one of the strongest drivers of our economy, fuelling both growth and exports. It combines a thriving indigenous enterprise base with some of the world's largest multinational companies, underpinned by a continually advancing world-class research ecosystem. Today, the sector employs over 117,000 people across the length and breadth of the country.
The Programme for Government has committed to the development of a National Life Sciences Strategy to ensure this important sector remains competitive, as well as adopting a coherent and ambitious approach to future opportunities.
The Strategy is being developed under the oversight of a High-Level Inter-Departmental Steering Group and a dedicated working group. Extensive stakeholder engagement has been undertaken, including a public consultation and thematic consultative forums with industry, Government, research organisations, and patient representatives. The feedback received is informing the drafting of the Strategy particularly in areas such as innovation, investment, skills, sustainability, patient outcomes and regulatory excellence.
Given the extensive stakeholder engagement undertaken, and richness of the quality of the material gathered, it is important that this input is thoroughly analysed and appropriately reflected in the Strategy. My officials are therefore actively engaged in the drafting process, which is expected to conclude by the end of this year. Subject to the completion of this work and the necessary Government approvals, it is anticipated that the Strategy will be published in early 2027.
