Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (Irish: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta) is a department of the Government of Ireland. It is led by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science at 52 St Stephen's Green

Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Department overview
Formed	2 August 2020
Jurisdiction	Government of Ireland
Headquarters	St Stephen's Green, Dublin
Minister responsible	James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Department executive	Colm O'Reardon, Secretary General
Website	Official website

Departmental team

The departmental team consists of the following:

• Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science: James Lawless, TD
  • Minister of State for further education, apprenticeships, construction and climate skills: Marian Harkin, TD
• Secretary General of the Department: Colm O'Reardon

History

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science was created by the Ministers and Secretaries and Ministerial, Parliamentary, Judicial and Court Offices (Amendment) Act 2020 as part of the reorganisation of governmental departments in the government of Micheál Martin.^[1]

Transfer of functions

Date	Change
2 August 2020	Establishment of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science[1]
21 October 2020	Transfer of Further and Higher Education, Research and Science from the Department of Education[2]
1 January 2021	Transfer of Research Policy and Programmes from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment[3]

Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland

Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland

Agency overview
Formed	1 August 2024
Headquarters	Three Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland[4][5]
Agency executives	Celine Fitzgerald[6], CEO (temporary[6]) Michael Horgan[6], Chairperson
Parent department	Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Website	www.researchireland.ie

Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland is a statutory government body in Ireland, established on 1 August 2024,^[7][6] amalgamating the functions and activities of Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council as an agency of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.^[a]

The new research funding agency was formed to promote and support the contribution of research and innovation to Ireland’s economic, social, cultural, and environmental development and sustainability. Its aims also include to "strengthen collaboration between the research and innovation system and enterprises, government, public organisations, the voluntary sector, and society".^[17]

The Research and Innovation Act 2024 was enacted in June 2024, and outlines the objectives and functions of Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland.^[18][19]

The agency's board, with Michael Horgan, as the chair; Celine Fitzgerald as temporary CEO; was announced by Patrick O’Donovan,^[6] the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.^[20] In May 2025, Diarmuid O'Brien was named as the agency's chief executive.^[21]

Notes

1. Attributed to multiple sources: ^{[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]}