Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank everyone in the House for the opportunity to have this debate and for their contributions throughout. It was great to hear such a passionate discussion on science. This is a discussion that we would encourage not just us in this House to continue having, but everyone around the country, especially those who work with children. It is so important to encourage and instil a curiosity and enjoyment of science from a young age.

The Minister, Deputy Harris, mentioned earlier that we launched the quantum strategy this week. This is important for Ireland in continuing to demonstrate our dedication to quantum innovation by developing financial and institutional supports for research and innovation including the establishment of a national advisory forum for quantum technology and investments from the disruptive technologies innovation fund. Together these programmes will prepare Ireland for the quantum revolution, providing us with a skilled workforce ready to apply breakthroughs in quantum computing to smart medical technology, telecommunications, climate change, and more. This is an important objective under Impact 2030 and we are delighted that it has been brought to fruition and will benefit so many.

I would also like to echo the Minister’s sentiments on our commitment to enhancing the research and innovation ecosystem and to achieving our ambition to become a global innovation leader through investing in research and innovation. The most recent and significant example of the importance and impact of research and innovation investment is the research and innovation ecosystem’s speedy innovations during the Covid-19 pandemic. These responses and innovations were based on decades of investment in basic research and talented people. This availability of talent is a key component of our national capability to handle and capitalise on major disruptions such as digitalisation and climate change. As such, pillar 4 of Impact 2030 aims to strengthen connectivity between research and innovation and the wider skills development agenda in Ireland. To do this, we will strengthen linkages between the research and innovation system and teaching and learning for all students, from undergraduate through to postgraduate research levels. We want to support all the students to achieve this goal and are providing for this through budget 2024.

The achievements we have seen in our Department in its short existence have been phenomenal, bringing science into every element of society either through supporting Science Week, investing in world-renowned research centres, or providing funding that brings science into people’s homes and schools. The role of science in society has expanded, as we face into the green and digital transitions.

The role of our Department will be to support research, innovation, skills development, education and co-operation across government, across the country and out into the wider worldwide scientific community to support our country in responding to our national challenges and in embracing opportunities. We are especially delighted that we have progressed with the task of joining CERN. I know this will be welcomed by many, including by all Members of the House. As humans, our activities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics will help to shape the future of innovation, progress and the betterment of society. We know our society faces many challenges. Through research, science and innovation, we will be better equipped to face these challenges head on.

I encourage everyone to participate in Science Week. There will be 15 festivals and events throughout the country. The details of the events are available on the SFI website. Science is not just for people in white coats in laboratories. It is about exploring and discovering the world around you, being curious and asking questions. I encourage parents and teachers to get involved and to get their children involved. I ask young people to get involved. We never know from where the next amazing idea or brilliant discovery will come. I thank Members for their contributions.

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