Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
70. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on progress in the development of a new national life sciences strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13198/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 100,000 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.
Governance structures have been put in place to underpin the development of the Strategy. A High Level Inter-Departmental Steering Group, chaired by my officials and comprising of senior officials across several key Government Departments, has been established to support the development and implementation of the strategy.
A dedicated working group, also chaired by my officials, with wider representation from Government Departments and relevant agencies will lead on the drafting of the Strategy.
The Strategy is being developed through extensive engagement with key stakeholders across the Life Sciences ecosystem to ensure that it is evidence-based, ambitious and responsive to emerging opportunities.
A broad programme of stakeholder engagement is currently ongoing. This includes a Public Consultation which closed in December. Submissions were received from across Irish society including from industry & medical professionals, pharmaceutical, MedTech and HealthTech companies, representative organisations, non-governmental organisations, and public bodies. These responses are currently being analysed.
In addition, my officials are hosting a series of Consultative Forums to enable a more in-depth engagement with key stakeholders to inform the development of the National Life Sciences Strategy. The first Consultative Forum was held last week with over 70 delegates from industry, Government Departments, agencies, research centres and academia participating in discussions focused on driving growth in the sector through innovation and investment.
Further Consultative Forums will examine other key pillars such as patient access, regulation, talent and skills. I look forward to seeing how these important fora will shape our first Life Science Strategy.
