Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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7. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on his recent visit to CERN; if he will provide an update on Ireland's CERN membership and CERN strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8127/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I would like to thank the Deputy for his continued interest in and advocacy for Ireland's application for Membership of CERN which I am delighted to report is now coming to fruition.

I had a very successful visit to CERN in February when I met with the Director-General, Dr Fabiola Gianotti and other senior management. The Director-General shared her vision for the future of CERN, including plans for the progression of the Future Circular Collider project.

Both Dr Gianotti and Professor Mark Thomson, who will be the next Director-General from 2026, expressed the enthusiasm of the CERN community for the anticipated Irish scientific involvement in CERN's development at this key point in time.

I met senior researchers and Irish citizens working at CERN and viewed the facilities which are at the cutting edge of scientific endeavour.

My visit also coincided with that of a delegation from Ireland comprising representatives from Ireland's universities, technological universities, research funding agencies and enterprise agencies to build and enhance relationships with research teams at CERN and to scope potential opportunities arising from Ireland's membership.

As the Deputy will know, Ireland's application for Associate Membership was approved in principle by CERN Council in December. Ireland submitted a final draft Agreement for approval by the Council which is in session this week. In the event of a positive outcome to their deliberations, my Department will progress the national ratification process and join CERN as an Associate Member by early 2026, subject to Dáil approval. The immediate next step would be for Ireland and CERN to formally sign the agreement.

My Department is planning for the establishment later this year of a National Advisory Committee on CERN, including representatives from the education, research, and enterprise sectors. The group will develop a national strategy for CERN membership to maximise its benefits to Ireland.