Seán Sherlock
Ceist:1216. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when Ireland will join CERN. [32656/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 July 2018
Ceisteanna (1216)
Freagraí scríofa
Innovation 2020, the national strategy for research and innovation, recognises that in order for Ireland to become a Global Innovation Leader, our research and innovation system must be open with strong international collaboration links. Membership of leading International Research Organisations is an important mechanism for facilitating this engagement. For this reason, the Government gave a specific commitment in Innovation 2020 to initiate negotiations with CERN on Ireland's membership options. Membership of CERN is also referenced in the National Development Plan 2018-2027.
Discussions with CERN have been ongoing since 2016, through a number of engagements between senior officials from my Department, and officials from CERN. The information gathered during these engagements has provided my officials with a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits of membership of CERN. While these benefits are recognised as significant, the cost is also significant and must be assessed in the context of other investment priorities.
My Department continues to keep the position in relation to CERN membership, and its cost, under review and maintains contact with officials in CERN in relation to Ireland's potential membership. Currently there is no specific date for Ireland to join CERN.