Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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We gave legislative effect to Research Ireland and it was commenced on 1 August. Celine Fitzgerald has been appointed CEO on an interim basis and Michael Horgan is the chairman. It was not without its difficulties. I think everybody acknowledges that. However, the most important thing is that in the passage of the legislation through the Oireachtas, TDs and Senators were anxious to point out the need to move to a system which is not "us and them" when it comes to research and to have a single body that could, on behalf of the State's coffers, look after all research students and be cognisant of their needs and demands. The board that has been put in place represents, to as wide a degree as possible based on the expressions of interest, a good cross-section of academics, researchers and others who bring a variety of talents and experiences to it. It is the right thing to do and I look forward to them settling down, getting into the nuts and bolts and engaging with HEIs and the Government as a whole.

We also have a new chief science officer, Professor McLysaght, since the other day. I see the two of them working really well together and those roles are critical in making sure we have a research programme and research credibility internationally.