Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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917.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on appointments (details supplied). [25529/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The role of Government Chief Science Advisor was most recently advertised by the Public Appointments Service (PAS), with a closing date for receipt of applications of 16 May 2024. The PAS process is ongoing, and a candidate will be selected and appointed in due course.

Reflecting international good practice, my Department has been working towards establishing the national Research and Innovation Advisory Forum, which will provide an agreed structure for engagement between members of the research and innovation community and policy makers. Membership will comprise public research representative organisations, industry and community representatives, as well as international experts. An Expression of Interest process for the Advisory Forum has concluded and officials are considering the applications received. The process was an open one and available to all interested parties and it is hoped to appoint the members of the Forum later this year.

My Department is systematically working to enhance long-term connections between policymakers across all Government Departments and the public research system. The first step of this has been the creation of a dedicated Evidence for Policy function within the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The next will be the appointment of the Government Chief Science Advisor. The structure and membership of the Research and Innovation Advisory Forum will then be agreed.

The development of new science advice structures across Government and the establishment of strong advisory, governance and oversight structures to implementImpact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy is a priority for my Department, and this work is ongoing.