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Scientific Research

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2020

Tuesday, 22 September 2020

Questions (621)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

621. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the cost of associate membership of CERN. [25313/20]

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Written answers

Associate membership of CERN is possible at a cost of 10% of the indicative full membership annual cost. This equates to an association membership cost of €1.25 million per annum.

The benefits as well as the costs are restricted with this option. Associate members can choose to join at a higher rate, bringing a commensurate increase in the potential return to Ireland.

With associate membership, Irish citizens would be eligible for staff positions and fellowships at CERN and approximately one third of Ireland’s financial contribution would be allocated for these positions. Irish citizens would also gain access to formal training schemes at CERN, including Masters and PhD programmes. Irish companies would also have access to CERN contracts but no industrial return is guaranteed.

As an associate member, the total combined value of industrial contracts and posts at CERN awarded to Ireland cannot exceed the value of the financial contribution made.

In November 2019, the cross-party report by the Joint Committee on Business, Enterprise and Innovation recommended that negotiations start with CERN immediately with a view to Ireland becoming an associate member as soon as possible. Following the recent government formation, CERN membership will now be considered in the context of the new programme for government and the establishment of the new Department of Further and Higher Education, Research and Innovation. The Department remains in contact with CERN officials.

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