James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

94. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding Ireland's application to join the CERN programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15706/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In November, I indicated to the House that my Department would prepare a proposal for the Government to consider joining CERN. Since then, Officials from my Department have been liaising with CERN regarding the total cost of membership, the application process and membership options. My officials have travelled to meet officials in CERN.

I should explain that any formal application by Ireland for membership will likely involve CERN sending a task force here to carry out a formal assessment of our suitability for membership. This is a normal process for any membership application and can take several months. In order to ensure appropriate engagement and examination, I currently envisage that a submission will be made to the Government in the second half of this year.