Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 124: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is intended that Ireland become a full member of CERN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7613/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland attaches great importance to participating in intergovernmental research organisations, IGROs, where this can enhance the goals of national research policy. Our current membership includes the European Space Agency, ESA, European Molecular Biology Conference, EMBC, EUREKA, network for market orientated research and development, COST, European co-operation in the field of scientific and technical research and INTAS, international association for the promotion of co-operation with scientists from the new independent states, NIS, of the former Soviet Union.

In 2001, a detailed assessment of Irish participation in IGROs, which included CERN, European laboratory for particle physics, which fosters research in high-energy physics using accelerators, was conducted by the Georgia Institute of Technology on my Department's behalf. The resulting report to Forfás recommended that Ireland should not join CERN at that point.

However, to take account of the changes that have taken place in Ireland's scientific and enterprise landscape over the last three years, including in particular the investments of Science Foundation Ireland and PRTLI, the chief science adviser has been asked to review the case for membership of additional IGROs, including CERN. The CSA's work programme provides for this issue to be addressed in the second half of 2005. The review will take into account issues relating to value for money, the demand for the facilities, the alternatives available and the optimisation of returns to the Irish scientific community.