Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, who is here in his brand new role in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. I recognise that this is a landmark piece of legislation. We are talking here about the definitions of research and innovation, but this Bill is going to bring about the funding of all areas of research. It is an incredible landmark Bill that we are seeing come in front of us here. To me, it is very clear that this agency, which will be formed on the dissolution of the statutory agency, Science Foundation Ireland, bringing it together with the Irish Research Council, IRC, will ensure we fund research across all areas.

It is important to me that Taighde Éireann will fund both research and innovation. Innovation is now more needed than at any time before in terms of how we make sure that our research has an impact on society. In the definitions of research across all disciplines and innovation that will be funded under this agency, it is very clear that innovation will have an impact on the people of Ireland, for our society and further afield as well at an international level. Gabhaim míle buíochas leis an Aire. I thank the Minister for his time.