Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 February 2017
295. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of times she and her Minister of State have met with the director general of SFI; the nature of those discussions; and if Brexit was discussed during the course of those conversations. [7715/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has met formally with the Director General of SFI on three occasions since her appointment. The Minister of State for Training, Skills and Innovation has met formally with the Director General of SFI on six occasions since his appointment. The possible implications of Brexit has been a discussion point during some of these meetings as have mechanisms to develop increased collaborative arrangements with the UK research community, options for potential new joint appointments for senior researchers between Irish and UK HEIs and joint approaches regarding PhD studentships. Other topics discussed have included: the role of SFI in the innovation system in Ireland; implementation of the Government’s strategy - Innovation 2020; SFI’s budget; research Infrastructure; EU Horizon 2020 research programme; Action Plan for Jobs; attracting world-class researchers to Ireland; SFI programmes to support research collaboration with industry; SFI role in supporting STEM Education & Public Engagement; role of SFI Research Centres; and Ireland’s international scientific reputation.
