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

I would once again like to thank the Senators for their engagement here today, for their careful consideration and for the work they have undertaken throughout the process of developing the legislation and bringing this Bill towards enactment. We have great ambitions for Taighde Éireann. This Bill is the foundation of a new agency that will be built upon. I value this process, which ensures that the legislation is as robust and fit for purpose as it can possibly be.

I would like to address some of the comments made by Senators here during the course of the debate. Senator Crowe referred to some concerns in relation to losing the brand recognition of Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council. The excellent international reputation of both SFI and the IRC, as well as the relationships built up by these agencies, is something we are very conscious of preserving going forward into the new agency. This aim is supported by a number of policies and sister strategies to Impact 2030, namely, Ireland's new talent and innovation strategy and the Global Citizens 2030 policy, which was launched by the Department last January. We also intend for the new agency to be established later this year, with a timetable to be confirmed when the legislation is enacted.

As Senator Dolan has correctly said, the two existing agencies drive excellence to an international standard, and she expects the new agency to build on that. The new agency will also have a role in promoting access to Horizon and other international sources of funding. I can also assure the Senator that the management and development of talent are central to the new agency. While Taighde Éireann is within our Department’s aegis, the legislation signals the close engagement with enterprise agencies, as well as with other stakeholder groups.

Senator Dolan also raised the issue of researchers and I will comment on that. Last summer, the first report of the independent national review of State supports for PhD researchers focused on the issue of stipend levels and recommended an increase towards an optimum level of €25,000, subject to funding availability. Funding was secured under budget 2024 to increase the stipends awarded by the two competitive research funders on the remit of the Department, the Irish Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland, from €19,000 to €22,000 per annum. That is a 15.8% increase. It also builds on the additional funding secured under budget 2023. Our Department will continue to engage with the budgetary process to continue the progression of this issue.

The co-chairs’ final report will be published this month and includes their consideration of PhD status. As with all other elements of their work, they are taking into account the perspectives of the 35 stakeholder organisations with whom they met, as well as a variety of international practices in operation across Europe. Senator Hoey also referenced the PhD review, which I have just covered.

I also want to make a point about the composition of the board we are enacting. We are anticipating a close collaborative relationship between our Department and the Department for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and our respective agencies, as they are two key funding Departments in the sector. This is why there is a provision for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to nominate one member to the new board. All the board appointments, including the enterprise nominee, will be made through an open, transparent and competitive Public Appointments Service, PAS, process. We are moving away from representative boards and into a competency-based board appointments processes. The new agency will need board members with proven skills and experience in corporate governance as well as expertise and experience in research and innovation, so that there can be a balanced representation. The booklet for the competition, which has already been run, outlines requirements for board members and the research experience is a core competency for prospective board members. The board will be appointed well in advance of the establishment of the new agency. The requirements of an open, transparent and competitive Public Appointment Service process will ensure a highly competent board with an array of the strengths and skills the agency will require.

In conclusion, we are working towards the second week of April for Committee Stage of the Bill in the Seanad, schedule permitting. This will be confirmed when the Houses return in April. I thank colleagues for taking the time to consider the Bill. I reassure them that in the meantime officials in my Department are available and are very willing to engage on and discuss these matters further, if any aspects require further information or clarification. I look forward to working with Senators on Committee Stage and taking on board the useful and considered feedback from colleagues here today.