Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2026
272. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans his Department has to strengthen Ireland's research and innovation capacity in response to increasing international competition for research investment and talent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35624/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has secured €1.08 billion under the current Horizon Framework Programme and remains on track to meet the national target of €1.5 billion. Building on this progress, an Action Plan of targeted measures will further strengthen Ireland’s engagement with Horizon Europe and future Framework Programmes. Informed by stakeholder insights, the Plan provides a focused, forward-looking framework to build capacity, address barriers and enhance participation across the research and innovation system.
The Government has delivered a significant increase in research and innovation investment, reaching €1.16 billion last year. This will be further reinforced through the INSPIRE programme, which will strengthen national research infrastructure. In addition to support for high-performance computing and the Tyndall National Institute, at least €500 million will be invested across two INSPIRE streams: local institutional infrastructure, including routinely used teaching and research equipment, and shared advanced infrastructures, involving large-scale equipment shared across institutions and with external users.
I have also launched the Global Talent Ireland initiative to attract leading international researchers. Managed by Research Ireland, the programme has an initial annual budget of €8m, with further scaling planned – to support research grants, start-up costs and infrastructure. By recruiting mid-career Rising Stars and established Research Leaders, it will strengthen Ireland’s research capacity and deliver system-wide benefits.
Our national success under the Horizon Europe programme, together with investments like the INSPIRE and Global Talent Ireland programmes, form part of our broader commitment under Impact 2030, as we strengthen Ireland’s research and innovation capacity in an increasingly competitive global environment.
