Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 June 2026
237. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline Ireland's level of investment in and policy on the use of quantum computing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46396/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn November 2023 my Department published the ‘Quantum 2030’ strategy to advance national policy in this area. The Strategy is centred around 5 pillars, namely:
• Supporting excellent fundamental and applied quantum research.
• Nurturing top science and engineering talent.
• Strengthening national and international collaboration.
• Fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and economic competitiveness.
• Building awareness of quantum technologies and real-world benefits.
Further to the publication of the strategy, an implementation group was established, with representatives from academia, business and government. The membership of the Group includes several Departments and Agencies - the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport (DCCS), Department of the Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), Research Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and IDA. A Strategy Implementation plan is now being finalised, to be progressed in the period ahead.
With regard to the issue of investment in this area, I would note in particular the following elements which are being advanced by my Department and its agencies:
• Establishment of the new Rinn Quantum Research Ireland Centre (~€40 million funding), which I announced on 10 June last as part of the next series of Research Ireland Centres.
• Support for the participation of Tyndall in the Photonics for Quantum (P4Q) Pilot Line (approximately €1.2m, with matching EU co-funding).
• Support for Irish participation in the Digital Quantum Academy, (Irish participants are the Irish Centre for Higher End Computing at the University of Galway, Trinity College Dublin and South East Technological University) (approximately €800,000, with matching EU co-funding).
