Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Nobody has any difficulty with the IRC and SFI coming together and there being a single body for research and research funding. There is a logic to that. As many previous speakers stated, none of this really matters unless funding is put in place for research.

Previous speakers also gave voice to the difficulties PhD students experience when their stipends do not cover their costs. At the lower end of the scale, issues arise with low-paid employment in research. Beyond that, there is the accommodation crisis across the board, which undoubtedly has a huge impact in this particular sphere. As such, an awful lot of stuff has to be righted.

It goes without saying that this State has had certain advantages in regard to the pharma and tech sectors. We are all somewhat worried about the news of 2,500 job losses at PayPal, which amounts to 9% of its total workforce. We had the news of a number of redundancies in Dundalk and Dublin last March. I think it was around 62 at the time and then we had the closure of the company's complexes in Dundalk and Dublin and remote working. I spoke to the Minister earlier. I would like to think the Government will follow up on what exactly this will entail for those workers in Ireland. We must find out as soon as possible. We must ensure they are made aware of what is happening and that whatever supports are necessary will be provided. That is something that needs to be followed up on.

We have huge advantages. It is a case of putting our money where our mouth is in that regard. We have all seen the benefits that have existed. I could talk about DkIT and whatever issues it has had in regard to the TU process. There are very important relationships between DkIT and Maynooth, and we need those to continue as they are beneficial to both parties. We must also ensure the fabulous work done by the Regional Development Centre continues. The centre brings together research and individuals and has led to huge benefits not only in regard to research projects but also thriving companies. It brings together the ETB structure, the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence, Ó Fiaich College and the Drogheda Institute of Further Education. There are also plans for a new regional skills and training centre.

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