Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 15:

In page 13, line 19, after “members” to insert “, a majority of whom shall be active researchers from a wide range of disciplines reflecting the principle of parity of esteem, and one of whom shall be chosen from outside the State”.

This amendment, for full clarity of the thousands of people watching from home, on page 13, line 19 after members that we insert "a majority of whom shall be active researchers from a wide range of disciplines reflecting the principle of parity of esteem, and one of whom shall be chosen from outside the State".

We obviously have a lot of opportunity here. That is reflected in the Bill but we have a great opportunity here to make sure that the entire research community is very much represented here. Any new agency needs to reflect the needs, abilities and capacity of the research community that it will back and will fund to deliver on its objectives and national objectives. As a result of that, it is important to make sure that it is as reflective as possible. Also, international peers are something that can add value. Having as many diverse research areas as possible, with different research methods and methodological approaches, is something that would be of benefit. That is the background to that amendment.