Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

One of the actions envisaged as part of Innovation 2020 is the initiation of negotiations with CERN on Ireland's membership options. Discussions between my Department and CERN have been ongoing at both official and ministerial level throughout 2016, 2017 and 2018. Associate membership of CERN is available from 10% of the full membership cost, with benefits calculated pro rata. The minimum cost for Ireland based on 2018 figures is €1.3 million per annum. That allows for associate membership. Full membership of CERN at current prices would cost approximately €13.6 million per annum. In addition to the annual cost of full membership a special contribution would be due. Based on a membership cost of €13.6 million, this contribution would amount to €17 million, due on the day the State becomes a full member. This would mean a total cost of €30.7 million for full membership. This is a considerable amount of money. In view of the demands on the capital programme and tight fiscal constraints, it is not possible to progress membership of CERN in 2019. Nevertheless, membership remains on the policy agenda and my Department will keep the issue under active review. My objective is to ensure that we obtain the best overall return on our investment in research and innovation.