Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:1214. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the cost of subscribing the State to associate membership of CERN. [28842/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 14 June 2022
Ceisteanna (1214)
Freagraí scríofa
Impact 2030, the national strategy for research and innovation, undertakes to review and optimise Ireland’s membership of international research organisations to ensure that our engagement reflects our existing and emerging strategic priorities.
Under the National Development Plan 2018-2027, as part of Project Ireland 2040, the Government outlined its intention to review Ireland's membership of CERN. This would generate opportunities not only for Irish enterprise but also for its research community. While the benefits of CERN membership are recognised as significant, the cost is also significant and must be assessed in the context of other Departmental and national investment priorities.
Based on indications received from CERN, the cost of Ireland’s full membership at current prices would be circa €14.6m annually. Full membership also entails a ‘special contribution’ fee calculated as 1.25 times the cost of the full membership fee. Based on a cost of €14.6m at 2022 prices this would amount to €18.2m due on the day a state becomes a full member.
To become a full member, a country must go through an obligatory ‘associate membership in the pre-stage to membership’ phase for a minimum of two and maximum of five years. In this case, the initial annual membership fee must be at least 25% of full membership cost, and should increase to 100% by the first year of full membership. This would mean the cost of membership could go from €3.7m initially to €14.6m during the agreed phase of associate membership as a pre-stage to full membership.
Associate membership is also possible indefinitely, with a minimum membership fee of €1.46 million per annum, based on 10% of the full membership cost. Associate membership at a higher percentage of the full membership cost is also possible. In the case of associate membership, the return to Ireland would be capped at the same level as the amount invested.
CERN membership will be considered in the context of the programme for government, national investment priorities and the evolving COVID-19 and economic situation. Ireland continues its consideration of full and associate CERN membership and my Department remains in contact with CERN officials.