116. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment each published pathway an individual, community organisation or independent entity operating outside a university or public research body may submit an operational citizen science platform, methodology or citizen-generated environmental dataset for independent technical assessment; the responsible body, criteria, decision timetable and review process (details supplied); the number of submissions assessed since 2015; if either no published pathway or no applicable assessment standards exist, if he will confirm each position separately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60690/26]

Research and innovation underpin the development and implementation of policy in my Department, as set out our Research and Innovation Strategy, published in 2024 (copy supplied). Implementation of the Strategy is ongoing, with details available publicly at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/research-and-innovation/. This includes steps to reinforce the mechanisms my Department uses to engage with research evidence and data produced by a broad range of research-active organisations which includes State bodies, industry, higher education institutions and civil society organisations. The Strategy emphasises the role of individual Departmental Divisions in sourcing the research evidence they need. In doing so they are supported by a dedicated Research and Innovation Strategy and Coordination Team. Governance and oversight are provided by a Research and Innovation Oversight Committee chaired by an Assistant Secretary.

When sourcing evidence (including data) aligned to my Department’s needs, my officials use a mix of publicly available information and newly-commissioned evidence. When commissioning new evidence my Department must adhere to public procurement rules, as summarised in Procuring for our Future: National Public Procurement Strategy 2026-2030.

My Department also provides funding to support research programmes operated by its aegis bodies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and Inland Fisheries Ireland. These programmes are a vital source of evidence for my Department. They are an operational matter for these agencies and as such the Deputy may wish to contact them directly. Contact details are set out in the attached document for ease of reference. Geological Survey Ireland, which sits within my Department, also provides key data and evidence to support policy and practice in areas such as critical raw materials and geothermal energy.

Research & Innovation Strategy to 2030