Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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455. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he sees research playing a major role in competitiveness in the future; the likelihood of meeting the demand in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59054/21]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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465. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which his Department is upgrading the research sector with a view to maximising the benefit for Irish students and ultimately the economy in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59064/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 455 and 465 together.

Economic development, job creation and national prosperity are, and will be, highly dependent on a strong research, development and innovation base with a regular output of new discoveries and inventions, innovative products and services, and a pipeline of highly educated and trained people.

Ireland’s societal and economic wellbeing depends critically on the people who live and work here. The availability of top talent is and will continue to be one of Ireland’s greatest assets as we compete globally to be a world-leading knowledge-driven economy.

I and my Department are determined to be the driver of a vibrant sector which produces individuals who are equipped with the skills that they need to progress in the way that they want to, and in a way that meets the needs of our evolving economy and contributes to an inclusive society. Not only will these individuals be equipped with expertise in research and innovation but I am also determined that the sector will continue to embrace and embed innovation in how it delivers and operates.

As international competition for talent, investment and innovation grows more intense as nations strive to improve their standing as knowledge-based economies, the establishment of a new department focused on talent and knowledge is an indication of the Government’s intent to position human capital and research as key enablers for our future economy and society.

It is imperative that we continue to develop a pipeline of research talent if Ireland is to realise its ambitions under the Economic Recovery Plan and the National Development Plan, and my officials will be exploring this as part of the development of the next National Research and Innovation Strategy currently underway at my department.