John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Science Foundation Ireland funds large-scale research projects that are relevant to many of the recommendations outlined in the Citizens' Assembly report on how the State can make Ireland a leader in tackling climate change. Examples include climate-friendly agricultural practices, renewable energy sources and the mitigation of climate change effects. These projects are being funded in partnership with industry. Both SMEs and multinational corporations investment in fundamental research is critical to ensuring that Ireland is well positioned to deploy future climate mitigation technology.

The Deputy referred to the MaREI centre in Cork. The Minister and I announced new funding for the centre some days ago.

World-leading researchers and experts matter. Science Foundation Ireland is actively recruiting these researchers to Ireland. For example, the world-leading economic geologist Professor Murray Hitzman – I do not know if Deputy Eamon Ryan has heard of him, but I have – was appointed director of the Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geosciences, iCRAG, in 2018. Professor Hitzman moved to Ireland from the USA to take up the post. Science Foundation Ireland investments are producing the skills required to advance the relevant sectors here through funding MSc., PhDs and postdoctoral positions.

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