I am aware of the steps taken by University College Cork (UCC) and Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) in relation to IMERC, following the Review of IMERC undertaken in 2016. I understand that, as part of the Review of IMERC, key personnel in the Naval Service were interviewed. In addition, there was informal phone contact with officials in my Department. Neither my Department nor the Naval Service was consulted on the decision to withdraw staffing and funding from IMERC.
I note that UCC and CIT are continuing to explore options to take forward roles previously undertaken by IMERC. In that regard I understand that UCC and CIT are proposing to refine and enhance the original Memorandum of Agreement on IMERC to support collaboration in teaching and research. They are also engaging with the Local Authority in relation to exploiting inward investment and development activities with the continuing support of UCC, CIT and the Naval Service. I look forward to the outcome of these discussions.
The Naval Service enjoyed a very good working relationship with UCC and CIT as part of IMERC and continues to do so. The Naval Service collaborates closely with both institutions in research projects through their constituent research centres and particular academic Departments. In addition the Naval Service continues as an academic partner with CIT at the National Maritime College of Ireland.