Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
1037. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent of further and higher education and research links between Ireland and Singapore; and the way in which those links will be further enhanced. [45233/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently important, though relatively modest, research and innovation links between Ireland and Singapore at both bilateral level and under the EU Research and Innovation Framework Programme, Horizon Europe.
Research Ireland supports approximately 30 collaborative links between the Irish and Singaporean research and innovation communities. These include engagements with Research Ireland Research Centres such as CONNECT (centre for future networks and communications), INSIGHT (data analytics) and APC (Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre) Microbiome Ireland.
To date, there are eight collaborative links across seven projects under Horizon Europe involving Irish and Singaporean research and innovation partners. Horizon Europe projects also include participants from other countries. The most effective way for Irish researchers and businesses to engage with counterparts in other countries is through the EU programmes.
You may be aware that I travelled to Singapore last July, during which time I visited the Singapore Institute of Technology and Singapore Management University. I also met with the Singaporean Minister for Education, Desmond Lee, and we had the opportunity to exchange views on broader areas of bilateral cooperation between Ireland and Singapore and look to further areas of future cooperation between our countries.
In December, Singapore established the Singapore-Horizon Europe Complementary Fund to promote collaborations with Horizon Europe. The fund will provide financial support to eligible Singapore-based researchers participating in Horizon Europe projects, which have received grant awards in priority areas for Singapore. This was a feature of the discussion between myself and Minister Lee during my Ministerial visit in July.
Expanding on the success of our initial deployments under Global Citizens 2030, I will appoint five additional attachés to the UK, France, Germany, South Africa and Singapore - strengthening our talent and innovation engagement. Singapore is a key location chosen as part of this expansion, serving as a strategic Asia-Pacific hub with national and institutional research strength, connectivity, and market access. This presence will deepen partnerships, support Irish institutions, and unlock new regional collaboration opportunities.
