Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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1168. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department is currently on schedule to meet its obligations under the first Programme Plan of Action of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People; and to outline any risks to delivery that have already been identified. [62896/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is fully committed to advancing the objectives of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People and to meeting its obligations under the associated Programme Plan of Action.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) is the lead Department for the coordination of the Strategy and the associated action planning process. Work is ongoing between officials in my Department and the DCDE to finalise the Department’s specific actions and timelines under the first Programme Plan of Action.

Although this plan is not yet finalised, we are engaging closely with DCDE to make sure our commitments fit well with existing work to improve access and inclusion for learners and staff with disabilities across the Tertiary Sector.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
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1169. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to establish a research and science forum of industry and research experts similar to the Responsible Business Forum. [62943/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Under Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy, my Department is progressing the establishment of a new Research and Innovation Policy Advisory Forum. As Minister, I will be chairing this new Research and Innovation Advisory Forum. The Forum will provide a formal structure for engagement between members of the research and innovation community and policy makers. Membership will comprise individuals with appropriate and relevant expertise in research and innovation, from both systems and industry perspectives. The Forum will be tasked with examining and advising on key policy considerations to support our drive for a cohesive, responsive and impactful public research system, a world-class innovation ecosystem, and our ambitions for international innovation leadership. It is intended that the first meeting of the new formation will take place in early 2026.

In addition to the Research and Innovation Policy Advisory Forum, my Department is also in the process of establishing a National Science Advice Forum which will assist the Government Science Advisor. A call for expressions of interest closed in late October. It is intended that the forum will consist of up to twelve experts drawn from those with internationally recognised scientific expertise in a range of key disciplines. Its membership will include experts that have credibility in translating science for the purpose of policy.? Membership will be for a period of three years. The Government Science Advisor wishes to have access to all types of good quality science that can contribute to the issues at hand, this includes natural sciences, engineering, medicine, social sciences and humanities. Expressions of interest were invited from both academics and practitioners.