Dáil debates

Tuesday, 14 May 2019

Ceisteanna - Questions (resumed) - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions

Science Foundation Ireland

5:30 pm

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I very much welcome the arrival here of the likes of Professor Hitzman. I wish him and iCRAG the very best of luck. It is important. However, I hoped for a breakdown of the figures. The Minister of State might provide one in a written response. The percentage of funding going to various categories suggests that the priorities in the State research sector is the two founding areas, namely, data analytics and biopharma. That needs to change. I seek evidence of change, other than the investment in the MaREI centre, which I welcome, or Professor Hitzman's arrival. I do not see this in the overall direction of investment and the priorities in SFI. That needs to change. This is the area where globally the most advanced research will be needed. Every country will be doing this. If we are going to become climate leaders, we should lead in this area too. Under the current Science foundation Ireland programme, we are not doing so.

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