Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)

It is not really fair to have to follow Deputy Boyd Barrett, but I will kick the ball that is in front of me, which is Science Week. This week, we celebrate Science Week, a national event that for 30 years has brought communities, schools and researchers together to explore and celebrate the power and potential of science in shaping our society. The theme for this year, "Then. Today. Tomorrow.”, invites us to look back at how science has transformed Ireland, to recognise the role it plays in our day-to-day lives and to imagine the possibilities it holds for our future as Ireland continues to invest in knowledge, innovation and understanding.

As Cathaoirleach of the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy, I am particularly conscious of the role that science plays in shaping our response to one of the defining challenges of our time, the climate crisis. Science gives us the knowledge, evidence and tools we need to make informed decisions regarding our environment and the sustainability of our economy in the long term. It ensures that urgency and understanding go hand in hand as we deal with these issues. Across Ireland, researchers are developing ideas and technologies that will drive our transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient future. From renewable energy to biodiversity protection, Irish researchers are creating solutions that will shape a cleaner, fairer and more sustainable country that will be to the benefit of us all.

Science Week is a chance to celebrate this work and to engage people of all ages, young and old, in the excitement of discovery. Supported by Science Foundation Ireland and Research Ireland, hundreds of events are taking place around the country, from exhibitions and talks to hands-on experiments in schools and community centres. In my constituency of Dublin Bay North, I am delighted to have been invited by SciFest to attend its national final, which will take place at the Marino Conference Centre on Friday, 21 November. SciFest is a shining example of what Science Week is all about, giving young people the opportunity to explore ideas, challenge themselves and their friends and showcase their creativity and talent. I pay tribute to all the teachers, muinteoirí, mentors, volunteers and parents who support and encourage these young scientists, day in, day out, and all those who make Science Week possible each year. Their continuous enthusiasm and dedication ensure that science is accessible to everyone, regardless of background or ability.

Science Week also reminds us of the importance of evidence-based policy. As policymakers, we do not always take this to heart. We have a duty to ensure that the decisions we take, particularly in the areas of climate, environment and energy, are informed by sound research, evidence and the best available tools. The challenges we face are complex, and they require thoughtful, informed and science-led responses. That is why the work of researchers, educators and innovators across Ireland is so critical and should be valued. They are not just advancing scientific understanding. They are helping us to shape better policy, protect our environment and create sustainable opportunities for communities across the country.

The climate transition will require innovation on a scale we have never seen before in Ireland and around the world. It will also require collaboration and public trust. Science Week plays a small but vital role in fostering that trust by demystifying science, breaking down barriers and showing that curiosity and creativity are open to all. As we celebrate 30 years of Science Week, we can be proud of the progress Ireland has made. We are now recognised globally for our research excellence, our commitment to education and our leadership in sustainability and energy innovation. There is still a lot to do, however, and science must be part of that journey. I encourage everyone, especially our young people, to take part in Science Week events, to explore, to ask questions and to imagine what science can do for their own and Ireland’s future. I want to thank Síofra Ní Earcain, a second-year student at Trinity College, who worked with us this week and who exemplifies the value of research and education for the future of our country. Let us continue to support our scientists, invest in research and ensure that science remains at the heart of public policy and our national progress.

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