The section gives detailed guidance on how to deal with these matters, should they arise, with the High Court being the ultimate arbiter. The use of the words "has been" covers matters that may be the subject of an appeal, for example.

I have no more to say.

Amendment No. 78 relates to section 35 and making the information concerning funding schemes accessible. Again, the requirements for transparency and open competition already capture this. In terms of equality, diversity and inclusion considerations, this is captured in the objects of the agency under section 8(f), where it is required to "advance the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion with regard to opportunities to undertake research and innovation and in the undertaking of that research and innovati…

To comment again on the parity of esteem point, Senators will recall that the agency, under section 8, will be charged with supporting "the undertaking of research and innovation in all fields of activity and disciplines by researchers with different levels of knowledge, experience and specialist skills in such fields or disciplines". The Bill states "all fields" of research.

The agency will also be required "to promote and support the contribution made by research and innovation to economic, social, cultural and environmental development and sustainability in the State". Yes, this is about economic development but it is also about social, cultural and environmental progress. No one concept is elevated above another here. In fact, they all have parity.

Amendments Nos. 82, 86, 87 and 88 relate to section 37 regarding the assessment of applications and awards of funding for research and innovation and section 43 concerning non-compliance with conditions of funding for research and innovation. We cannot accept amendment No. 82 for the same reasons as stated regarding amendment No. 79. Funding award processes will be independent and adhere to international good practice, and the word "impartial" is not quite at home here because the agency will be bearing other consi…

For amendments Nos. 20 to 23, inclusive, in this section, we are referencing Government, Ministers of the Government and bodies, whether statutory or otherwise, which are funded, wholly or partly, by public moneys because we are aligning these funded bodies together into a cohesive national funding system. Engagement with multilateral institutions, local authorities or trade unions is of a different order and is not appropriate here. Engagement with multilateral institutions such as Science Foundation Ireland's, SF…

Regarding the proposed amendment No. 32 and the objects in section 8, the principles of academic freedom are not a matter for the new agency and not appropriate to the legislation. The Universities Act 1997 protects academic freedom and this is appropriate to the higher education institutions themselves. We absolutely value the principle of academic freedom and it is not appropriate in this proposed legislation.

I do not have anything further to add only that, under the Universities Act 1997, academic freedom is protected. We feel that it is appropriate within the higher education institutions themselves. We absolutely agree with the principle, but we do not feel it is appropriate to this legislation.

Amendments Nos. 35 and 36 propose to amend section 9, which relates to the functions of the agency. The three agencies specified in the section are the core funding agencies for research and innovation, particularly in terms of education. We will be requiring a closer degree of co-operation and communication between them in terms of ensuring a more cohesive national system. While the EPA will, of course, have a role to play, and ongoing co-operation with the Health Research Board is intended and provided for in sec…

I apologise.

Amendment No. 38 proposes to amend the functions in section 9 in regard to health and well-being in the State. These matters come under the remit of the Department of Health and the Health Research Board. While we envisage collaboration between the agencies in this space, this would be led by the Health Research Board. Therefore, this amendment would not be appropriate to this legislation.

Section 9 is on the functions of the agency and amendment No. 39 proposes to amend section 9(e), which relates to engaging with An tÚdarás on skills development and ensuring that is a consideration in programme design and participation. The proposed amendment is not appropriate to this provision, as it relates to the completely separate issue of career progression, which is not within the agency’s remit. Therefore, we do not propose to accept this amendment. Regarding amendment No. 40, the existing provision is ali…

The Government is committed to implementing Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy. A dedicated talent pillar highlights the crucial importance of people and talent to the Irish research and innovation ecosystem. It commits to ensuring that researchers are supported with the right skills development and career opportunities so that they can make their maximum contribution to research and innovation efforts. HR policy in respect of researchers was formalised through the researcher career development…

I do not know the answer to that question. I will have to revert to the Senator on that.

While we recognise and support the intentions relating to amendments Nos. 44, 91 and 92, the partnerships described are already possible and facilitated under section 49 of the Bill. In being very detailed and prescriptive, this could become a limiting provision. The policy areas described are all encompassed by the existing provisions in section 8(d) and (f). The aspects the agency will focus on will be based on the needs of society and these could change dramatically over time. The intention of these amendments i…

With regard to section 12 of the Bill and the power of the Minister to issue guidelines to the agency this reference is to other Ministers. This section of the Bill relates primarily to the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, and also possibly to whole-of-Government policy, and is a standard provision in legislation of this kind. The example of codes of practice for governance is cited in subsection (2). I hope that explains it for the Senator. The Senator also questioned…

I am advised that the standard practice is they will be published.

Amendments Nos. 7 to 10, inclusive, 18, 45 and 46 relate to the United Nations sustainable development goals, which only run up to 2030. This means that amendments would be required on a rolling basis. The principles underlying the sustainable development goals are already captured in the definitions and impact considerations. Environmental and sustainability impacts are to be considered in every aspect of the work of the agency. Maintaining this broader provision allows scope for the agency to keep aligned with em…

I thank both Senators. In terms of parity of esteem, this intention is woven throughout the Bill in the existing definitions, objectives and functions. Parity of esteem needs to be realised and this is not achieved by simply inserting the words, as was discussed during the pre-legislative scrutiny process. It has been a principle of consideration at every stage of the drafting process and will continue to be a founding and core principle of the new agency. The Bill puts arts, humanities and social sciences, AHSS, f…