What is the Patent Court Referendum about?

In Blog by Denis Naughten

The Unified Patent Court is like a big courtroom for all of Europe where inventors can protect their new inventions. Right now, if someone creates something new, and wants to keep it safe from being copied, they have to go through a lot of steps in different countries, which can be both expensive and complicated. This new court would make …

Denis Naughten pays tribute to late John Bruton

In Blog by Denis Naughten

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the former Taoiseach, John Bruton, earlier today. John was a politician who proudly wore his principles on his sleeve, never hesitating to stand by them, even when it was not politically expedient. He passionately believed that politics should be a tool for delivering social justice to every individual within this …

Sewerage for Castleblakeney, Creggs, Kilconnell and Caltra

In Blog, East Galway, News by Denis Naughten

I have just received the following reply from Irish Water to a query (below) that I raised last November on the development of sewerage facilities in villages across East Galway.   This is an issue that I have been pursuing with Sean Canney TD, Cllr. Tim Broderick and Cllr. Evelyn Parsons.   Sadly, this reply is very disappointing.   See …

Eddie O’Connor

In Blog, Energy by Denis Naughten

Eddie O’Connor was always at the cutting edge of energy in Ireland and a renewable energy innovator.   Born in Elphin, Co. Roscommon, he understood the local economic importance of Bord Na Mona when he became its Chief Executive in a move from the other big semi-State energy company, ESB.   After leaving Bord na Móna, he moved into the …

Science at the Forefront of Policy: A Reflection on the decision by EU Innovation Ministers

In Blog, Science, Science by Denis Naughten

As someone who has advocated for the greater use of science in decision making, it was really positive to see the decision taken by Ministers across the EU last week at the Council of the European Union meeting with regard to the integration of research and innovation into the policymaking process. This decision, in my view, marks a significant stride …

The Role of a TD’s Science Charter in the Age of AI

In Blog, Science, Science by Denis Naughten

As we stand at the forefront of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution, the challenges of regulating such a transformative technology bring into sharp focus the broader need for an ethical framework in science and technology legislation. This is where the development of an ethical charter for Members of Parliament (MPs), currently being drafted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union Working Group on …

Artificial Intelligence & Assisted Driving – Research insights to steer our journey ahead

In Blog, Science, Science by Denis Naughten

Oireachtas Seminar for Science Week 2023  #BelieveInScience This week, I was delighted to join Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland, in introducing the virtual seminar ‘Artificial Intelligence & Assisted Driving – Research Insights to Steer Our Journey Ahead’. This event was organised by The Library & Research Service, in partnership with SFI. The theme for …

People not politics must be the priority when it comes to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza – Naughten

In Blog by Denis Naughten

As a people, we are all sickened and deeply troubled by the increasing violence and its devastating impact on Gaza’s population, as well as the growing number of deaths in the West Bank.   Every one of us is appalled by the unprecedented level of casualties on both sides and the severe suffering this conflict is inflicting on innocent civilians, …

Gardaí Should Call in Mathematicians on Roster Dispute

In Blog, Science by Denis Naughten

As Garda management and staff representatives reconvene today to address the roster issue, I propose a fresh approach. Why not involve mathematicians and data analysts? Their expertise could help craft a new roster that not only caters to staff concerns but also fulfills our policing requirements. I presented this perspective to the Minister for Justice in Dáil Éireann earlier this …