Ms Tanya Kenny:

The establishment of the new Department enables a greater focus on, and a more integrated approach to, research in the tertiary education system and its incorporation into the overall research system. It is intended that the overall research function of the Higher Education Authority will be included in the legislation. However, further consideration is being given to the issue of the appropriate statutory provisions for research funding as a result of the integration of research, innovation and science. The Irish Research Council, as the Chairman mentioned, operates under the aegis of the HEA and further consideration will be given in the course of the drafting of the Bill to the legislative and organisational elements and arrangements for research. There will be further consideration.