Latest news with #CERNProtocolonPrivilegesandImmunities
Irish Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Post
Ireland's membership of CERN approved with start date confirmed
IRELAND'S bid to become a member of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) has been approved it was confirmed today. In a statement Tánaiste Simon Harris and Science Minister James Lawless revealed they have 'jointly secured Government approval of the final steps for Ireland to join the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, CERN'. '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,' Minister Lawless said. Mr Harris said Ireland's associate membership will demonstrate the nation's 'commitment to science and reaffirm our reputation as a centre for scientific investment'. The CERN centre in Geneva, Switzerland (Pic: CERN) '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,' he added. Ireland's membership was approved by Cabinet today, in a move which 'authorises the final legal steps', Mr Lawless confirmed. '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,' he explained. '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.' Ireland's associate membership of CERN will make Irish citizens eligible for staff positions and fellowships there Minister Lawless added: '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 is expected to 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 to 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.
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
Government approves final steps for Ireland to join CERN
The Government has approved the final steps for Ireland to become an associate member of the European Organisation for Nuclear Research. Following a mandatory waiting period, the membership is expected to begin officially in October. CERN is an intergovernmental organisation that operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world on the Franco-Swiss border, just outside Geneva. The main focus of activity in CERN is the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), a 27km underground ring in which protons are accelerated and collide with one another. Associate membership will allow Ireland's researchers to participate in CERN's scientific programmes and will make Irish citizens eligible for staff positions and fellowships at CERN. Membership will also allow Ireland's businesses to compete in CERN procurement programmes. Associate membership is expected to cost around €1.9 million a year, for an initial period of five years. Following today's Cabinet decision, the Taoiseach signed a Government Order to enable the State to meet its obligations under CERN membership. 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. "Associate Membership of CERN will demonstrate Ireland's commitment to science and reaffirm our reputation as a centre for scientific investment," said Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless said today's Cabinet approval is a milestone which authorises the final legal steps. "My Department will establish an expert advisory group in the coming months to guide our national approach to CERN membership," Mr Lawless said. "This group will work with my Department to maximise benefits for both Ireland and CERN," he added.
