The Minister for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock TD, today
(Thursday) announced that he will consider the merits of Ireland joining
CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, in the context of an
overall review of Ireland’s membership of international research
organisations.
The Minister has asked his Department to carry out a review of Ireland’s
international engagement on research and innovation, in particular the
costs and benefits of membership of international research organisations,
including CERN. This review will take into account both the overall
funding constraints on money available for research and the Government’s
prioritised areas for investment in research and innovation.
The Minister said: “The Government’s priority in the area of science,
technology and innovation is to implement the recommendations of the
National Research Prioritisation Exercise which will see the majority of
public research funding aligned with priority areas where we are most
likely to get economic and social returns, particularly in the form of
jobs.
“Ireland's membership of international research organisations must be
predicated on whether the benefit of membership, in terms of support to
Irish researchers, companies and jobs, justifies the cost involved. I am
conscious of the calls by some researchers for Ireland to apply for CERN
membership. The last time a review of the benefits of Ireland joining CERN
was undertaken, the conclusion was that it was not the best use of
resources. Since then, resources have become even scarcer, but it is timely
to have a fresh look at the opportunities and the costs associated with
membership.
“Any decision about joining CERN must take into consideration the
opportunity costs involved, as payment of any fees would have to come from
existing funding, meaning that less funding would be available for our
existing research priorities. I have an open mind on the matter and it
will really come down to what represents best value for taxpayers’ money.
I have asked my Department to consult with CERN, the relevant research and
enterprise agencies and with the academic/research community and to bring
forward an assessment within the coming months”.