Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy and acknowledge his passion in this area. Just to be really clear, I see huge benefit in citizen science. The Deputy will also appreciate and would think it appropriate that when it comes to deciding scientific and research projects to be funded, it is important that there are criteria that are independent of me. That is the way we have funded science and research in this country, through our funding agencies, SFI in this instance.

In an effort to be helpful to the Deputy and the project he references, I do run the Discover programme and there are open calls each year through a competitive process. There is international peer review in deciding what to fund. The aim of the SFI Discover programme is to support projects that address one of a number of objectives, including stimulating and creating debate and dialogue among the public, opportunities for dialogue with STEM experts on topics of societal importance, inspiring greater public awareness of the impact of STEM, and supporting and building engagement with and participation of a broader range of civil society and community groups. I will send the Deputy the details. I can also send him a list of the projects that have been funded this year and perhaps arrange for an engagement with SFI for the Deputy.

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