Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party)

I support the motion for Ireland to become an associate member of CERN, the European organisation for nuclear research. I do so on behalf of Independent Ireland with a clear sense of what this should mean for the Irish people. Let me be straight. My party is no cheerleader for big, wasteful public spending or for projects that line the pockets of consultants while ordinary people get no benefits. Neither are we in the business of signing up to European groupthink or handing away our neutrality, which we value dearly. What we are in favour of is common sense, value for money and supporting our own young people. We believe in giving our young people opportunities, giving Irish businesses a fair crack of the whip and backing innovation that can help Ireland to thrive. On that basis, this membership, if properly managed and tightly monitored, has the potential to deliver for Ireland.

Let us look at the facts. CERN is not a political project; it is a science organisation where some of the world's finest minds come together to work on fundamental science and practical innovation. From the Internet, to MRI machines and modern cancer treatments, CERN's work has had real benefits for ordinary people. Ireland is one of only a few European countries not formally linked with CERN, which leaves our young people, researchers and businesses locked out of world-class opportunities. As an associate member we can give Irish students and graduates access to training and internships at CERN and enable Irish firms, including small and medium-sized businesses, to bid for contracts at CERN which are worth millions. This will support Ireland's leadership in fields like big data and medical technology, sectors in which we are already strong and where our SMEs can drive on.

I understand that membership comes at a cost and I hope that the money involved will be carefully accounted for. Let me be crystal clear: Independent Ireland would not sign up to this unless we believed it will deliver clear value for the Irish taxpayer. We ask that there be a full cost-benefit review after three years before any application for full membership is made. I hope there will be strict monitoring to ensure this does not evolve into another gold-plated club for a few academics while the country foots the bill. We will also insist that Ireland's sovereignty and neutrality remain untouched. CERN is a science body, not a military or EU army project. Any attempt to link this to a wider political alignment will be opposed.

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