Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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261. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the Ireland/New Zealand Joint Research Mechanism (JRM) pilot research initiative; what progress has been made to date on the four projects funded under the initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45897/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The pilot Joint Research Mechanism (JRM) began in 2022. It is now in its second year. A joint call for research proposals between both countries was launched on 10th May 2023, with my Department committing up to €4 million in funding.

Applications received by the closing date have been subject to eligibility checks and subsequent evaluation for impact and relevance, scientific excellence, and value for money. This was followed by consideration of their strategic merit and final selection by a joint Ireland/New Zealand Call Steering Committee. My Department is now conducting grant negotiations with those selected projects for the Irish research performing organisations involved, and a similar process is ongoing on the New Zealand side. I expect to make a formal announcement of the awards in November.

In relation to the four projects funded last year, they are required to report periodically on their progress and these are being evaluated, with work progressing as planned.