Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
886. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which quantum computing is being integrated into Irish higher education and research; the measures to improve quantum literacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51187/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupporting excellent fundamental and applied quantum research and fostering top quantum science and engineering talent are keys pillars of the national quantum strategy, Quantum 2030. My department leads the Quantum 2030 implementation group dedicated to advancing these pillars and I have asked the group to finalise a plan to accelerate the delivery of the strategy.
Last month’s announcement of the new Research Ireland Centre for Research & Innovation in Quantum Information Science and Technology (Rinn Quantum) will deliver a significant boost to such capabilities. With a Research Ireland award of €39.6 million, Rinn Quantum aims to establish Ireland as a global leader in quantum science. The Centre will bridge fundamental research and real-world applications, addressing challenges in quantum computing, secure communication, future materials, and sustainable quantum technologies. Through strong academic–industry partnerships and alignment with national and EU strategies, the Rinn Quantum centre will accelerate innovation, foster public engagement, and ensure a sustained pipeline of graduates with transferable skills and expertise in quantum science and technology.
Additionally, the European Quantum Academy (EQA) is a major pan-European initiative designed to strengthen Europe’s quantum skills, education and workforce ecosystem. Ireland participates in the EQA through the involvement of ICHEC (Irish Centre for High-End Computing) at the University of Galway, Trinity College Dublin, and Walton Institute at SETU (South East Technological University). The EQA will create a coordinated framework for quantum education, training, mobility and professional upskilling spanning schools, secondary education, higher education, research and industry.
This will complement established higher education programmes and existing quantum upskilling and literacy initiatives.
In addition, the Tyndall Institute is participating in the Photonics for Quantum (P4Q) EU Pilot Line, a European initiative to help quantum photonics technologies transition from research laboratories into reliable, scalable industrial production.
