The report in the Irish Examiner today about two members quitting the board of governors in University College Cork because of the lack of funding from Science Foundation Ireland is particularly disappointing. I do not know if the Taoiseach is familiar with the issue. Professor Douglas Kell, a UK-based biochemist, resigned in August because of what he believed to be an utter lack of transparency in the Science Foundation Ireland process and because UCC did not appeal the decision on the Infant Centre which was set up in 2013. This raises fundamental issues about research and sustainability. The team there had already received awards from the American Heart Association for its groundbreaking work on the life-threatening condition of pre-eclampsia. In the overall context of patient safety and patient safety legislation, it defies logic that we would end very valuable research of this quality. Professor Louise Kenny, who believes the decision was political, stated they had not been given a full explanation as to why their proposal had been rejected. Will the Taoiseach inquire into this matter to see if he can obtain some satisfactory responses for us?

I understand Science Foundation Ireland decides on how research funding should be allocated and that it does this on a competitive basis. When it does, some universities and research centres receive funding, while others, unfortunately, do not. I do not believe there is any substance to the suggestion that there is political interference, nor should there be. I will, however, ask the Minister to provide a report for the Deputy and Science Foundation Ireland to meet those involved in the Infant Centre to explain why they did not receive the funding on this occasion.