Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I do not support the amendments. The main purpose of section 7(1)(e) is to ensure a co-ordinated approach to research among bodies in the State by extending the scope of Science Foundation Ireland's consultation to bodies anywhere. The amendment would dilute this purpose and could increase costs.

On amendment No. 13, Science Foundation Ireland's objective is, as set out in the legislation, to promote and assist the development and competitiveness of industry, enterprise and employment in the State. It is funded by the State through the Department's Vote. The purpose of the power of the Minister to issue directions to Science Foundation Ireland is to specify particular actions relating to the carrying out by the foundation of its functions in line with these objectives and ensure public funding is used in accordance with these objectives. Allowing external bodies to influence these policy directions would not be appropriate.

I note Senator Barrett's reference to consultations with learned societies such as the Royal Irish Academy and Royal Dublin Society. While I do not wish to be facetious, there are a number of learned societies, including many with the designation "Royal". This long list includes the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland, the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland, the Royal College of Surgeons, the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal Geological Society of Ireland, the Zoological Society of Ireland, Chartered Accountants Ireland, the Honorable Society of King's Inns, the Irish Association of Physicists in Medicines, the Irish Recorded Music Association and the Irish Texts Society. While I am aware the Senator is not being prescriptive, the role of determining science policy is predicated on a stakeholder engagement.

Last year, the Royal Irish Academy hosted a good seminar on prioritisation and its impacts. The Irish Research Council has a strong role in the humanities and social sciences. In shaping any new strategy on science, technology and innovation, I must have a clear vision, following the prioritisation exercise, that proceeding with a new strategy for the country requires a clear role for the higher education institutes and all funders of research in the Irish landscape. We must also pay due regard to the institutions to which the Senator referred. However, for the reasons I have outlined, we should not be prescriptive in terms of how Science Foundation Ireland conducts its business given that the prioritisation is only one proportion of expenditure on research in the country as a whole.