James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

407. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he will publish the national semiconductor strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16830/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department is currently finalising the National Semiconductor Strategy and, subject to approval, is aiming to publish it in May 2025.

The strategy will:

• Signpost actions for the sector and co-ordinate activity across stakeholders;
• Provide a clear message to industry;
• Focus on opportunities at EU level; and
• Set an ambition and direction for activity in the sector to contribute to the EU’s 2030 Chips Act targets.

James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

408. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he will take to develop a national life sciences strategy; if a consultative process in envisaged; the proposed timeline for the publication of this strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16831/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Life Sciences sector - pharma, biopharma and medtech - is one of cornerstones of Ireland’s industrial success, driving significant exports, and attracting foreign and indigenous investments in R&D, capital expenditure and employment. It is a highly successful sector which has grown from strength to strength in Ireland, accounting for over 100,000 jobs and over €130 billion in exports.

Ireland has developed a cohesive and integrated Life Sciences cluster consisting of highly innovative indigenous companies, large well-established FDI multinationals, a continually developing world-class research base and a strong industry-focused clinical community.

Ireland’s Life Sciences sector holds significant potential for growth in the coming years and in April 2024, a report from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs forecast 21,000 additional jobs to be created in the biopharma sector by 2027.

The new Programme for Government has mandated the development of a National Life Sciences Strategy to ensure this important sector remains competitive, as well as adopting a coherent and ambitious approach to future opportunities.

In this regard, my Department will soon begin arrangements for developing the scope and timelines for the proposed strategy, along with considerations for engagement with stakeholders, while taking into account EU developments. Indeed, we understand that the European Commission may develop an EU Life Sciences Strategy, which we look forward to engaging on and incorporating the relevant opportunities for Ireland it will give rise to, as part of our national strategic response.

While my Department will be responsible for producing the strategy, this process will involve close collaboration with the relevant Departments, Agencies, and key industry stakeholders across the Life Sciences sector to ensure its effective development and implementation.

Naturally, current and possible international/geopolitical developments impacting the sector will be a key consideration.

I would anticipate that a number of actions could be implemented as the strategy is being developed and that, as you would expect from a enterprise-focused Department , there would be extensive engagement with industry and other partners and stakeholders.