Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 9, between lines 36 and 37, to insert the following: “(e) promote research and innovation which supports economic, social, cultural and environmental development and sustainability and human wellbeing, and to so do in co-operation and collaboration with the bodies to which section 48 applies and such other persons and bodies in the higher education and research system or the research and innovation system as the Agency considers appropriate,”.

I look forward to hear from the Minister on amendments Nos. 7 and 11 in particular. I note the correspondence I received today from the Minister in respect of points I raised on Second Stage. It was a timely response to those issues and I thank him for that. I also note from the Minister's correspondence in response to my asking about the composition of the board that it "will be able to articulate a balanced perspective across all disciplines and across the full spectrum of research, have international and national experience, and have a mix of experienced researchers and individuals with governance experience. There is provision in the Bill for the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to nominate a member, and this will maintain and develop the essential links between both Departments and their aegis bodies." I accept that.

In speaking to these amendments, it could be argued, for economic reasons and in particular for the period from 2011 to 2016, that under the research prioritisation exercise the board of SFI had a clear policy focus on job creation and economic output. That was certainly felt by people in the arts, humanities and social sciences. However, that Government had limited choices in respect of needing to focus on job creation. I am again seeking comfort from the Minister. I know he gave a lot of comfort on Second Stage to the arts, humanities and social sciences, and the need to ensure the IRC does not feel like the poor relation. When you are enjoining two cultures, one culture should not feel it is subservient to the other and, by extension, that the arts, humanities and social sciences does not feel as if it is playing second fiddle to economic output. That is ultimately what we are talking about.

Will the Minister provide some comfort for me again on that? That would send a signal to the community. I recognise what the Minister is saying about the need to not be too prescriptive about what you instil or put into primary legislation. However, the historical experience of certain stakeholders within the research community suggests that when it comes to funding they are not equal partners. I again seek reassurance from the Minister and a response on the need to ensure the arts, humanities and social sciences is not left out of the equation.