Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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1929. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider developing a centre of excellence for marine and airborne field robotics, with a particular focus on supporting many Government and semi-State agencies that have requirements from time to time for marine field robot systems; if he will consider locating this centre of excellence at University Limerick, given it has the only research centre in Ireland active in marine and airborne field robotics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12401/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Firstly, I wish to thank the Deputy for his suggestion in relation to the development of a centre of excellence for marine and airborne field robotics. As the Deputy may be aware, the MaREI Research Ireland Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine based in UCC is already conducting important work in this area.

One of the aims of the Research Centre Programme operated by Research Ireland is to increase the quality and the quantity of academic-industry collaboration in pursuit of innovation through a network of large scale, world leading Research Centres. Following a funding call in 2023, a Research Ireland competitive funding round is currently underway with funding decisions to be made later this year.

Competitive research funding is awarded through the aegis bodies of my Department on the basis of research excellence and across all research disciplines. Where a funding call has issued, applications are assessed via a rigorous, independent and internationally peer reviewed process in line with best practice.

The integrity of the process in relation to Research Ireland funding calls is of vital importance and neither I, as Minister, nor my Department can be involved in the outcome of specific funding calls.

That said, I would encourage any higher education institution or research performing organisation with the ambition to form or become part of a research centre to engage with Research Ireland regarding the funding call process and any feedback or advice they may have to offer.