Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
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873. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he plans to continue the success of Ireland’s membership of the European Southern Observatory by expanding access or creating more opportunities such as postdoctoral research for Irish astronomers. [13321/25]

Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
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874. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for the implementation of support infrastructure for the European Southern Observatory for Irish astronomers similar to those announced following Irelands accession to CERN. [13322/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 873 and 874 together.

Ireland joined the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in 2018 following a Government commitment to initiate discussions with four international research organisations – the ESO, LOFAR, ELIXIR and CERN. Ireland has joined three of these organisations and is finalising an Associate Membership Agreement with CERN.

A National Advisory Committee was established when Ireland joined ESO to maximise the benefits of membership to Ireland in the context of strategic priorities. The National Advisory Committee on ESO continues to review Ireland’s performance in ESO and considers future opportunities and appropriate supports. The National Advisory Committee is chaired by my Department and includes stakeholders across third level education, research and research funding.

Dedicated financial support for participation in specific initiatives is a necessary criterion for Ireland’s associate membership of CERN, which differs from other international research organisation memberships.

Under Impact 2030, Ireland has committed to optimise our membership of international research organisations, ensuring that our engagement reflects our existing and emerging strategic priorities. The last such review was undertaken in 2015 and led to the membership of the current organisations. Over the coming period my Department, in consultation with stakeholders, will give consideration to the appropriate scope and methodology of any review with a proposal coming to me in due course.