Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Wednesday, 21 May 2025
Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Business of Joint Committee
Deputy Donna McGettigan:I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on her appointment. I look forward to working with her and everyone on the committee. I will not go over everything that has already been said. The National Training Fund needs to be looked into, as does the core funding deficit. I am glad to see that better support for those with disabilities will be looked at. Cross-Border collaboration has great potential and we need to look into it. On research and innovation, we need to ensure Ireland becomes a leading European centre for applied blue sky research. We also need to work to lower the cost of housing because it is a big burden on PhD researchers. One of the last things I have on my list is mental health awareness. That needs to be a big part of this committee's work.