Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
134. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on funding to replace or upgrade basic research equipment in our universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37372/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for raising this important issue which is a priority for my Department. Research infrastructure is an integral element of any national research and innovation system. It is critical for training students as well as researchers. It enables researchers across all disciplines to undertake cutting edge research, to be internationally competitive and to produce new knowledge and innovations for both economic and wider societal impact. Modern research infrastructure is essential to ensuring that the higher education system contributes fully to closing the innovation gap, enhancing national competitiveness and improving productivity levels.
In March of this year, I established a Working Group in response to the Programme for Government commitment to advance a strategic and comprehensive approach to the research infrastructure requirements of the higher education sector, and in line with Impact 2030, Ireland’s national research and innovation strategy.
The Working Group has undertaken an in-depth review of the existing infrastructural stock across the higher education institutions. It has considered national programmatic approaches to date, having regard to the original landmark Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions, and more recent initiatives. It has also reviewed international good practice in other small advanced economies.
I am now consulting closely with Government colleagues with regard to the requirements that have been identified for modernising our research infrastructure and equipment, within the wider context of the National Development Plan review currently underway.
