4157. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the Government has approved a plan or co-ordinated a programme for citizen science during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union (details supplied); and, if no such plan exists, whether one will be approved before the conclusion of the Presidency. [54808/26]

4171. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science each council formation, working party, ministerial meeting or Presidency policy process in which citizen science or citizen-generated data will be substantively considered during Ireland's Presidency of the European Union; the scheduled date, Irish lead and intended outcome in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54818/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 4157 and 4171 together.

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) has a strong focus on citizen science throughout Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This includes hosting a series of open events in the coming months, aligned with OECD recommendations to embed citizen science as a mainstream, recognised and well-supported element of research policy:

• Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) Conference - Celebrating Mobility, Shaping Resilience

• Week of Innovative Regions in Europe (WIRE) - Future Regions: The Role of Sustainable Innovation in European Competitiveness

• European Innovation Council (EIC) Advance event - Advance: Progress and Future of EU's startup and Scale up Ecosystem

These events aim to foster broad engagement across researchers, policymakers and citizens, reflecting calls for inclusive, participatory approaches to knowledge production and innovation.

Further and higher education also has a key role to play in advancing science-related fields amongst EU citizens. The Irish Presidency intends to advance work on Council Conclusions both on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and training and on AI-related skills and competences across education and training.

While the content of any such Conclusions will depend on the discussions at the EYCS Council, it is Ireland's intention that the Conclusions on STEM education and training would establish it as a priority area for the Council and the EU. In relation to the Council Conclusions in the area of AI-related skills and competences, Ireland’s intention is that they would focus on building AI literacy and responsible use across education, ensuring an ethical and evidence informed approach to AI in education, and strengthening governance and the readiness of education systems.

While the Department has not created a formal plan or coordinated programme for citizen science during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the events and activities listed above demonstrate a commitment to fostering an inclusive and participatory approach to the transmission of scientific knowledge.