The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris TD and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, today jointly secured Government approval of the final steps for Ireland to join the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, CERN.
The Tánaiste said: “Associate Membership of CERN will demonstrate Ireland’s commitment to science and reaffirm our reputation as a centre for scientific investment. It will create opportunities for Irish researchers, students and industry to join world-class teams at CERN, and it will give CERN access to Ireland’s talent and expertise.”
Minister Lawless said: “Having personally advocated for Ireland’s Associate Membership of CERN for a long time, it is a pleasure to officially announce that Ireland will join CERN in October this year. Today’s Cabinet approval is a milestone which authorises the final legal steps.”
Following today’s decision, the Taoiseach signed a Government Order to enable the State to meet its obligations under the CERN Protocol on Privileges and Immunities. The remaining steps are now for Ireland to notify the Director-General of CERN that the internal approval procedures for the Associate Membership Agreement are complete, and to deposit an Instrument of Accession to the CERN Protocol on Privileges and Immunities with UNESCO. Following a mandatory waiting period, Ireland’s Associate Membership is expected to begin officially in October.
Minister Lawless continued: “Associate Membership of CERN is a long-standing national ambition and a commitment in the Programme for Government. However, joining CERN is only the beginning of Ireland’s journey. It is a priority for me as Minister to ensure Ireland’s success as an Associate Member State.
“My Department will establish an expert advisory group in the coming months to guide our national approach to CERN membership. This group will work with my Department to maximise benefits for both Ireland and CERN.”
Associate Membership of CERN will bring benefits to Ireland across research, industry, skills, science outreach, and international relations. It will open doors for Ireland’s researchers to participate in CERN’s scientific programmes and will make Irish citizens eligible for staff positions and fellowships at CERN. It will also be possible for Irish citizens to access CERN’s formal training schemes and develop skills in industry-relevant areas such as electronics, photonics, materials, energy systems and software.
Membership will also allow Irish businesses to compete for contracts with CERN. CERN’s cutting-edge research often demands the development and application of new technologies, encouraging innovation. Many technologies pioneered at CERN have applications in other spheres such as healthcare, space, energy and ICT. The World Wide Web was invented at CERN.
