Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2025
881. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the oversight being used to verify and ensure affiliations are legitimate and traceable in terms of research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56618/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the Research and Innovation Act 2024, an application for funding can only be submitted to Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland by an Eligible Research Body (ERB) on behalf of a researcher (typically their higher education institution or employer). This helps ensure the legitimacy of the application and clarifies the researcher’s status and their affiliations. Moreover, this process confirms that all parties, if successful in their application for an award of funding from the agency, will be willing and able to comply with Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland’s Grant Terms & Conditions. These include clauses in relation to Research Integrity and requirements for compliance with the relevant national and European codes.
All applications for funding are subject to peer review by external subject matter experts. As part of their evaluation of a proposal for funding and an applicant’s track record, reviewers can raise any concerns, which may be addressed by the applicant and their Eligible Research Body, as required. Where concerns are not fully and satisfactorily addressed, the relevant details will inform the final funding decision.
When a grant is awarded, a letter of offer is issued, typically to the President of the Eligible Research Body. This is copied to the successful researcher and both parties must sign the grant acceptance certificate, denoting their acceptance of the grant, the associated budget and confirming they will comply with the Grant Terms & Conditions, which includes clauses relating to both financial and research governance.
