Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Senator for raising this important matter. The whole area of research has stood by our country for a great many years, since we have invested heavily and expanded our whole research horizon. That is undoubted. I fully accept what the Senator says about having a national strategy. I will take that up within the Department. As for the process and the timeframe for associate membership, I will make the Minister, Deputy Harris, acutely aware of the Senator's concerns and those of the research community to have this matter dealt with expeditiously.