Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

3335. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for information about the working group established in response to the Programme for Government commitment to advance the research infrastructure requirements of the higher education sector, specifically about the programme for research in third-level institutions, some of whom are using equipment that is now 30 years old, or nearing obsolescence; if this working group will publish a report about this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41477/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In line with Impact 2030, Ireland’s national research and innovation strategy, and the Programme for Government, this Department is advancing a strategic and comprehensive approach to the research infrastructure requirements of the higher education sector. A Working Group was established in March 2025 in response to the Programme for Government commitment referred to by the Deputy.

Chaired by this Department, Working Group membership included the representative organisations of the higher education institutions: the Irish Universities Association and the Technological Universities Association. In addition, it included the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, the Higher Education Authority and Research Ireland. There were also two Ministerial nominees to the Group to complement the expertise and perspectives of the other Group members.

The Group has undertaken an extensive baseline audit of existing infrastructural stock and considered the Irish approach in this regard, having regard to the original landmark PRTLI and more recent endeavours, as well as international good practice. Their analysis and findings support and expand upon the case for research infrastructure investment that has been made within this Department’s wider submission to the National Development Plan review process.

On 22 July 2025, the outcome of that process were announced and I am pleased to note that my Department secured a capital allocation of €4.55bn for the 2026-30 period.

This major programme of investment will support a new national research programme, a successor to the Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions (PRTLI), as well as vital upgrades to further and higher education infrastructure and an expanded student accommodation programme.

My Department will now develop an implementation plan over the coming months to move ahead with a new national research programme to invest in the infrastructure that supports talent, science and discovery.