Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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On 1 January 2021, responsibility for Ireland's research and innovation (R&I) policy transferred from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to my Department. Following extensive stakeholder consultation, I launched Impact 2030 Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy on 18 May 2022. Impact 2030is a Whole-of-Government Strategy and I have provided an electronic version to the deputy.

Impact 2030 will be delivered through three three-year work programmes; the first multiannual work programme (covering the period 2022 to 2024) was published as part of Impact 2030. This work programme clearly reflects that delivery of Impact 2030is a collective effort by a range of Government Departments and their Agencies, each of which is responsible for advancing the R&I agenda in the sectors under their remits. My Department plays a central system role, driving implementation of Impact 2030by bringing together research funding and performing Departments and State Agencies to ensure a cohesive, Whole-of-Government approach.

My Department also funds R&I through three of its Agencies: both the Irish Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland are competitive research funders while allocations to the higher education institutions via the Higher Education Authority underpin Ireland’s R&I system. In 2021, my Department was responsible for the majority (52%) of Government investment in research and development (R&D), with an allocation of €0.5 billion.

Annual Impact 2030 Progress Reports will be published that assess the extent to which each multiannual work programme was delivered in the preceding year, thereby providing ongoing oversight of how Ireland’s research-funding Departments and Agencies are working together to implement Impact 2030. My Department published the first annual Impact 2030Progress Report on 12 July 2023. I have provided an electronic version to the deputy.

The first annual Impact 2030Progress Report shows how Impact 2030puts R&I at the heart of Ireland’s response to social, economic and environmental challenges and seeks to advance the strategic development of Ireland’s R&I system between now and 2030. The Progress Report shows that, at 31 December 2022, the vast majority of work programme actions were either underway or completed, with a small number not yet scheduled to commence. In addition, the Progress Report also shows that, by 31 May 2023, 29 of Impact 2030’s 30 Flagship Initiatives had been well progressed or delivered, with one remaining Flagship Initiative not yet due to start. The Progress Report also includes specific examples of projects that are making a real difference as well as details of new R&I initiatives and associated funding.

My officials are working with research funding and performing Departments and State Agencies to prepare the second annual Impact 2030 Progress Report. Once finalised, this report will be sent to me for approval and I will inform my Cabinet colleagues of my intention to publish the report. It is my intention that each annual Progress Report will be published as soon as possible after it is noted by the Government.

/ie/oireachtas/debates/questions/supportingDocumentation/2023-12-14_pq259-13-12-23_en.pdf">Impact 2030

/ie/oireachtas/debates/questions/supportingDocumentation/2023-12-13_pq259-13-12-23_en.pdf">Impact 2030b