merrion street

Sean Sherlock T.D., (Minister of State with responsibility for Research and Innovation) has said that plans to merge the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology (IRCSET) with the Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Science (IRCHSS) into a consolidated single council under the Higher Education Authority will bring positive benefits to the Irish research community. The merger of the two Councils was announced as part of the Government’s Public Service Reform Plan published today.

"IRCSET and IRCHSS both play fundamental roles in supporting researchers in the early stage of their careers, in fostering skills development and in encouraging independent exploratory research. This role is essential to nurturing the talent we need for a vibrant research system and a creative, innovative and prospering economy and society.

"IRCHSS has played a unique part in creating opportunities for talented researchers across the humanities and social sciences disciplines. The vital importance to Ireland of supporting research and human talent development across these disciplines will be given recognition and protection within the new Council arrangements.

"In bringing the two bodies together as a single Council under the Higher Education Authority, the Government is committed to strengthening the focus on early stage career opportunity and support for high quality research talent. The new Council will deliver important efficiencies in the operational support for that work. Bringing science and humanities disciplines together in this way will also offer potential for achieving enhanced inter-disciplinary synergies and opportunity. Work will now commence on the detailed arrangements for giving effect to the merger."