Erin McGreehan
Ceist:436. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when he intends to publish the National Life Sciences Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14010/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 February 2026
Ceisteanna (436)
Freagraí scríofa
The 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 country and accounts for more than €100 billion in exports.
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.
To ensure that this Strategy is evidence-based, ambitious and responsive to emerging opportunities, it is being developed through extensive engagement with key stakeholders across the Life Sciences ecosystem. This includes a Public Consultation which closed in December, with over 70 submissions being received from right across the life sciences ecosystem, which are currently being analysed.
My officials are also hosting a series of Consultative Forums to enable a more in-depth engagement with key stakeholders to examine issues such as research & innovation, talent & skills, sustainability, healthcare & patient access and regulatory excellence.
Developments at EU level, including relevant EU legislation that is currently being progressed this year will also inform the scope and content of the Strategy.
The development of this national Strategy is a critical undertaking - one that warrants careful planning and sufficient time to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. The Strategy must deliver an evidence-informed and forward-looking set of actions that not only consolidates Ireland’s position as a global leader in the sector, but also creates new pathways for innovation, drives sustainable economic growth, strengthens the workforce, and improves health outcomes for all.
With this in mind, I expect the National Life Sciences Strategy to be published in the second half of this year.