Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am straddling a line between wanting to be transparent and helpful and respecting my constitutional obligations. Let me say this - I am recognising on the floor of the Seanad that the structures that are in place need to evolve and change. I am certainly not saying that the status quoshould continue. There needs to be an evolution of the structures.

The world is a different place than it was in 2012. Our country is a different place and its needs are different. I passionately believe that our future economic and social well-being as individuals, as a country and as a people will be reliant on science, research, talent and ingenuity. We can see from the debates on global tax that the world is changing and shifting. Investment in talent, people, research and innovation will be key.

Whatever structures we arrive on will be based on international comparisons, international best practice, learning from others and listening to the voices of the scientific community and the public at large. I expect to be in a position to expand on this further in the House next week.