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Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020

Tuesday, 23 June 2020

Ceisteanna (128)

James Lawless

Ceist:

128. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Skills if full-cost extensions of research projects that had to be stopped during the recent Covid-19 emergency will be funded (details supplied); his plans to extend and expand job security for early career researchers; the number of researchers that lost their jobs due to universities closing during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11716/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

At the outset the Deputy may wish to note that lead policy responsibility for national research, development and innovation policy on a whole-of-government basis resides with my colleague for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

Research and innovation focused on the development and strengthening of Ireland's knowledge economy and, in particular, on enhancing the productivity of the indigenous sector of the Irish economy and driving industrial transformation - consistent with the objectives of Future Jobs Ireland - are clearly essential to the future success of the economy, and our ability to address the challenges facing our country in the aftermath of Covid19. Ireland's capacity to compete globally including by remaining competitive for foreign direct investment is also directly linked to Ireland's ability to innovate and to attract the talent and investment essential for a growing knowledge economy.

On 13 March last, the Irish Research Council, in partnership with the Health Research Board and Science Foundation Ireland, issued a joint funders statement to address issues being faced by grant awardees during the COVID-19 crisis. This was followed up by establishing a group comprising the main competitive research funders and performers, as well as the HEA, which provides a strong forum for dialogue on a range of issues, including monitoring closely the many and valued industry and enterprise partnerships on myriad research projects around the country.

My Department understands that flexibility is being offered by the research funding bodies to researchers, such as considering proposals to reallocate costs within project awards, the provision of extensions for those directly impacted in terms of access to labs at this time, the possibility to review work packages within individual awards etc. All parties want to work through the current situation in a way that safeguards our Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) system to the maximum extent possible, and address the specific concerns regarding researchers on contracts that are linked to research funding awards. It is considered that the approach of dealing with issues on a case-by-case basis is the most appropriate way of dealing with the situation at this time and ensuring that the specific circumstances that arise in particular cases can be addressed effectively. In relation to costed extensions, my Department understands that a number of research funders are working proactively with their grant holders in this regard.

As the research funders and research performing institutions work through the current situation, the evidence will become more available on its current impacts, as well as into 2021 and beyond. As with students, the HEIs are now actively looking at researcher return to campus. Health and safety is the paramount driver and the return is being managed appropriately at a local level (given the very specific needs of different types of research, closeness to completion of some projects, e.g. for doctoral students, and industry contracts), with oversight of the Heads of Research to ensure consistency and fairness in approaches being taken.

My Department works closely with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation in supporting the delivery of national RDI policy, and will continue to work interdepartmentally to ensure the long term sustainability of the national RDI system is safeguarded. The provision of additional financial support to Tertiary Education to ensure that it can contribute to economic recovery, and to meeting priority skill needs will be examined in the context of overall expenditure management and budgetary policy.

Under Innovation 2020, a Researcher Career Development and Employment Framework is being finalised, and which will ensure continued opportunities for researcher career development. While I do not have details of numbers of researchers who have lost jobs due to Covid 19, I understand that individual HEIs are making every effort to protect the employment of researchers, including those on contract and that the national research funding agencies are being supportive in this regard.

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