Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Like the Cathaoirleach, I wish to echo the tributes to Senator Norris. As he has not informed the Clerk officially, there may yet be time to persuade him to change his mind. In fact, some of the deserved glowing tributes might do that. Having just learned of the interview, as Senator McDowell has informed us, I would certainly support Senator McDowell's suggestion that we acknowledge not just Senator Norris's contribution to this Chamber but to Irish life generally.

I raise the Government's very welcome decision today to apply to join CERN, one of the world's leading research communities. As the Acting Leader will be aware, we have had statements in the House on CERN and I have introduced a number of motions on the matter. I have probably annoyed people more about that organisation than anyone else has. This decision sends a very positive message to Ireland's science and research community.

What we need is a CERN strategy now. Not only must we join CERN but we must look at ways in which Ireland can contribute to and benefit from it. Many people were involved in getting this decision over the line. I pay tribute to the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Simon Harris, and the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Dara Calleary, who was very supportive. This would not have happened without the work of a significant number of research students, the Institute of Physics and a number of our universities. I pay tribute to Michael Mitchell, Matthew Fenlon and many other research students who came together and pushed very strongly for Ireland to finally join CERN.

I welcome the Government's decision to apply for associate membership and move towards full membership. I ask that we invite the Minister, Deputy Harris, to the House to set out a strategy for benefiting from CERN membership.