Galway East TD and Minister for Digital Development Seán Canney has endorsed an Oireachtas committee’s recommendation to join CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research.
Minister Canney said: “I strongly support the recommendation by the Oireachtas Committee on Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
“CERN is based in Switzerland and is one of world’s leading scientific laboratories.
“Its primary focus is on particle physics but it also plays a vital role in developing the technologies of tomorrow.
“As Minister for Digital Development, I believe that by joining this research centre, Ireland can enhance its ambition to be a global leader in innovation.
“CERN’s research has helped developed technologies for MRI scanners and radiation therapies, touch-screens and is a hub for the World Wide Web.
“The cost of joining CERN is €1 million a year. I have asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys TD to consider this as a value for money investment that would provide the potential for many cutting-edge jobs in the Ireland’s future technology sector.”

For more information, contact Minister Canney on 086-2513639
January 6 2020

Editors’ Note
CERN is a European reserach organisation that operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world.
Established in 1954, the organisation is based in Geneva and has 23 member states. CERN is an official United Nations Observer.
CERN’s mission is to:
• Provide a unique range of particle accelerator facilities that enable research as the forefront of human knowledge.
• Perform world-class research in fundamental physics.
• Unite people from all over the world to push the frontiers of science and technology for the benefit of all.