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Scientific Research

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2021

Thursday, 8 July 2021

Ceisteanna (282, 286, 290)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

282. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he expects the sciences to play a major part in meeting the standards required in the workplace in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37119/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

286. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the ambitions of his Department in expanding the role of the sciences in the future and in particular the ability to meet opportunities likely to arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37123/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

290. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which centres of excellence are being developed at technical and academic levels in order to meet requirements in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37127/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 282, 286 and 290 together.

I and my Department are determined to be the driver of a vibrant sector which produces individuals who are equipped with the skills that they need to progress in the way that they wish to, and in a way that meets the needs of our evolving economy and contributes to an inclusive society.

There are a number of key strategies in place at all levels to ensure we meet existing and future skills demands, including in the area of the sciences. These include policies designed to ensure a pipeline of suitably qualified science and technical graduates, and initiatives to equip young people and the working population more generally with the skills and capacity to meet these demands. These strategies and initiatives include: the National Skills Strategy 2025; Technology Skills 2022; Springboard+ and the Human Capital Initiative.

My Department is also embarking on the Creating our Future campaign, delivered by Science Foundation Ireland. Creating our Future is a conversation with the people of Ireland to gather their ideas on what research and innovation they believe could be undertaken to address their challenges and create a better future for all. Broader public engagement about research and innovation will ensure that Ireland can address key societal and economic challenges and adapt to new industries and economic models.

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is leading the development of the new national research and innovation strategy, in consultation with key Government Departments, agencies and stakeholders from across the research and innovation community. This new Department has been established with a clear mandate to work with all stakeholders to strengthen Ireland’s research and innovation ecosystem, drive reform and collaboration, and enhance outcomes which contribute to meeting societal, economic and global challenges.

This new strategy will aim to be transformative in meeting these challenges. It will identify the reforms necessary to develop a research and innovation system that has the right capacity and capabilities, and which is supported by coherent policies and structures for national coordination, collaboration and governance across the national R&I landscape.

As was the case in the previous national research and innovation strategy, Innovation 2020, we will remain committed to maintaining and improving standards in the excellence of our research. Support for excellent research across all disciplines (including arts, humanities and the social sciences as well as science, technology, engineering and maths) is essential. This is reflected in the core values of my Department’s agencies.

The mission of the Irish Research Council is to support excellence in research talent, knowledge and engagement. Its core value is research excellence: across all disciplines, determined on the basis of independent peer review, in an open, objective, transparent and trusted manner. Science Foundation Ireland funds excellent and impactful research and talent, and shapes the future of Ireland through anticipating what's next and widening engagement and collaboration.

As testament to this drive for excellence, since 2009, Ireland has been listed among the top 20 countries in global rankings for the quality of our scientific research. As published in the most recent SFI Annual Report, based on InCites Essential Science Indicators from Clarivate Analytics, Ireland ranks 12th in global scientific ranking (for scientific paper citations), including 1st in the world in Immunology, 2nd in Agricultural sciences, 5th in Neuroscience, 5th in Material sciences, 9th in Molecular biology and genetics and 9th in Microbiology.

Question No. 283 answered with Question No. 277.
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