Denis Naughten TD has called for immediate clarity on the future of the Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin following the Taoiseach’s comments that the Government has offered to fund the facility “for a number of years” and is awaiting a submission from the University.

Responding to Deputy Naughten in the Dáil this afternoon, the Taoiseach stated that the closure of the Science Gallery would undermine “our strategy as a country to position itself as world leader in science & technology”.

“Since the start of this century scientific research in this country has been a key plank of our economic and industrial policy, it has also been vital in enabling us to respond to the Covid pandemic. That’s down to our scientists, many of whom have been inspired to go into research through their engagement with the Science Gallery.

“In fact, the Science Gallery has gone international with offshoots in Atlanta, Bengaluru, Berlin, Detroit, London, Melbourne and Rotterdam,” stated Denis Naughten.

Deputy Naughten pointed out that the original gallery here in Ireland is set to shut its doors for the last time – and while it seems that Government wants to keep the doors open, based on public comments, it seems that the Department of Further Education and the Department of Tourism are in dispute as to who will contribute to the financial shortfall.

“At a time when science, and the public’s understanding of science, is so important as a result of Covid-19 it seems bizarre that the very first casualty is the one organisation which has tried to convert complex scientific concepts into understandable language for the public.

“The threat to its future alone is short-sighted and there is a perception that this is down to internal bickering, which needs to stop. We need to keep the doors of the Science Gallery open and ensure that it continues to engage with the public and particularly young people, which is in the long-term strategic interest of our country,” concluded Denis Naughten.

ENDS.

Link to Dáil question