Science Foundation Ireland

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 February 2017

Wednesday, 15 February 2017

Ceisteanna (294)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

294. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of researchers who will attend the awarding of the SFI St. Patrick's Day medal in Washington during the St. Patrick's Day celebrations 2017; if there are scientists who are members of Irish research teams in SFI funded centres who have been invited and who are the subject of the US executive order list of seven countries and may not be able to travel by virtue of their dual citizenship with one of those seven countries, which are now the subject of judicial proceedings in the US. [7714/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Travelling arrangements have yet to be finalised but it is envisaged that between 15-20 representatives from SFI Research Centres will attend meetings in Washington including the awarding of the SFI St. Patrick’s Day Medal. No SFI Researchers attending have indicated that they will be unable to travel due to the US executive order on travel.

The SFI St. Patrick’s Day Science Medal celebrates the achievements of individuals who are of Irish citizenship, descent or those who have a strong and enduring connection to Ireland. These individuals are outstanding in their fields of expertise and have also made significant contributions to developing the research ecosystem in Ireland or have demonstrably assisted researchers in Ireland in either academia or industry. The presentation of the Medal in Washington provides a unique opportunity to engage with the US scientific community including representatives from research funding agencies, industry, academia and the wider scientific diaspora.