John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am here today to present the terms and conditions of Ireland's accession to the international research organisation, European Southern Observatory, otherwise known as ESO, as contained in the accession agreement circulated to members last week. This agreement was negotiated on behalf of Ireland by a team comprising officials from my Department, who are with me, experts from Ireland's astronomical academics and industrial representatives.

As members are no doubt aware, the agreement was the culmination of several months of intense work and collaboration between the team and the European Southern Observatory, ESO, representatives.

The Government committed to initiate negotiations with ESO for Ireland’s membership as an action in Innovation 2020, Ireland’s strategy for research and development, science and technology. As part of a study commissioned in 2015, ESO was identified as a pivotal international research organisation, posing significant benefits to Ireland.

International co-operation in research and innovation plays an important role in the development and sustainability of a world class research and innovation system. International co-operation maximises the impact of international and national investment in research and innovation and develops international relations. Membership of ESO will help develop Ireland’s global footprint and support international relations with other members of the organisation and, in particular, with the host nation for the telescopes, Chile.

Benefits of ESO membership are significant, primarily that Irish researchers will be afforded an opportunity to work with facilities that would never be possible for Ireland to achieve alone. The skills that will be developed by students and researchers, such as high volume data analytics, photonics and software education, are advanced and industry relevant. In addition, Irish companies will be fully eligible to receive contracts from ESO, covering all business areas from provision of services to technical studies and delivery of advanced equipment.

The terms of Ireland’s membership are based on the ESO Convention and Protocols, our negotiations were focused mainly on the financial contributions. A special deal was tabled by ESO during initial discussions in 2016 with the previous director general. This deal would calculate Ireland’s membership based on 2017 prices rather than 2018. The deal was secured by the negotiating team resulting in a saving of just under €400,000. As Ireland is joining in the final quarter of 2018, the cost for this year is €0.75 million, increasing to €3.46 million for next year, subject to indexation.

I am aware that several members have a keen interest in Ireland’s membership of international research organisations and the development of our research and innovation capabilities. I welcome the members' interest and encourage continued engagement with them. I would, however, remind members that this committee is to discuss the terms and conditions of ESO membership. Ireland has taken significant steps in recent years in achieving membership of Elixir, LOFAR and now ESO, as per our commitments in Innovation 2020.

I thank the select committee for affording me this time. I am happy to take any questions.