Policy Forum for Ireland

This conference examined the future of Sláintecare in Ireland, with a focus on the next phase of healthcare reform, and challenges and opportunities for implementing a single-tier, universal health system.

Sláintecare implementation
It brought policymakers, healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and key stakeholders together to consider practical strategies for overcoming current obstacles in healthcare delivery, funding, and workforce planning and capacity. The conference followed publication of the Department of Health’s Sláintecare 2025+ plan, as well as the Sláintecare Implementation Progress Report 2024, providing key insights into progress so far and priorities for reform. It also took place in the context of continued discussion on resource demands of a universal healthcare model, and the need for greater integration of primary and community-based care.

HSE Health Regions
The conference also took place as work continues on the establishment of Health Regions, aimed at delivering more integrated, locally-managed healthcare, with delegates considering its implications for service planning, governance, and resource allocation.

Policy coordination
Sessions looked at aligning transformation priorities with HSE’s National Service Plan and Sláintecare objectives, ensuring a consistent and coordinated approach to reform across all Health Regions. Delegates examined lessons learnt from both domestic initiatives and international healthcare systems, as well as identifying priorities for future investment and policy development.

Access, provision, governance structures, and ensuring sustainable services in the long-term
Further discussion addressed key issues such as ensuring equitable access to care, governance and accountability structures, and the role of digital health solutions in supporting sustainable healthcare reform. The long-term impact of demographic changes, regional disparities, and health inequalities on service provision were also considered.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Pat Healy, National Director, National Services and Schemes, HSE; and Professor Steve Thomas, Edward Kennedy Professor, Health Policy, Public Health and Primary Care, Trinity College Dublin.

Overall areas for discussion included:

• Sláintecare implementation and governance:
  
  • reviewing the progress of Sláintecare reform and addressing barriers to implementation
  • effective leadership, governance, and accountability in healthcare transformation
  • strengthening collaboration between government, health authorities, and service providers
  • assessing the role and effectiveness of the Sláintecare Programme Board in driving reform
• equitable access to healthcare:
  
  • strategies to reduce waiting times and improve access to services, particularly in underserved regions
  • impact of the €420m patient waiting list fund, which aims to reduce waiting times to around five months
  • addressing the inverse care law and ensuring healthcare provision aligns with population needs
  • tackling health inequalities and improving outcomes for disadvantaged communities
• workforce and capacity challenges:
  
  • strategies to improve recruitment, retention, and workforce planning, alongside reducing staff burnout
  • addressing staff shortages and ensuring equitable pay and working conditions across regions
  • supporting healthcare professionals through training, career progression, and innovation
• digital health and innovation:
  
  • advancing the role of technology in improving service delivery and patient outcomes
  • exploring opportunities for digital health solutions, telemedicine, and AI in healthcare
  • ensuring data security and interoperability to enhance patient care
• funding and resource allocation:
  
  • assessing investment priorities to support sustainable healthcare reform
  • addressing funding gaps and ensuring financial sustainability for universal healthcare
  • exploring models for cost-effective service delivery while maintaining high standards of care
• community and primary care integration:
  
  • strengthening primary and community-based healthcare services
  • promoting preventative care and reducing reliance on hospital-based services
  • enhancing collaboration between health, social care, and voluntary sector organisations
  • encouraging stronger resource sharing and collaboration between health authorities and service providers
  • evaluating the progress of establishing HSE’s Health Regions as part of structural reforms aimed at decentralising services 
  • assessing funding mechanisms for Health Regions and funding priorities to meet urgent patient need
  • strategies for improving integration of health and social care and ensuring consistent access and governance across regions, especially in Community Healthcare Networks

All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those who attended include officials from DoH, ROI; DCEDIY, ROI; DoH, NI; and The Scottish Government.

This conference focused on next steps for planning policy in Ireland, looking at objectives from the National Planning Framework.

Areas for discussion included delivery of increased housing, developing the rural economy, regional connectivity and accessibility, and moving forward on net zero commitments, as well as implementation of key climate infrastructure and advancing decarbonised transport.

It was a timely opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to discuss the new Government’s planning priorities, with the Draft Programme for Government recommitting to aligning policy and planning with the National Planning Framework.

Sessions also considered measures recently implemented under the Planning and Development Act 2024. Delegates will consider priorities and implementation issues for proposals in the Act. Delegates assessed strategies for alleviating a growing backlog of planning applications and the role of the An Coimisiún Pleanála, as well as priorities for the commission as it approaches its role in improving efficiency, transparency and the speed of decision-making.

Those attending discussed what is needed from policy, regulation and action from key stakeholders in order to meet the necessary delivery of homes in Ireland in a way that supports net zero ambitions, with housing set as a key priority in the Draft Programme for Government, including proposed targets to deliver 300,000 new homes by the end of 2030. This follows findings from the Housing Commission that 60,000 new homes per year are necessary to manage expected population growth, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency’s projection that currently implemented policies can only deliver an 11% reduction in greenhouse emissions by 2030, much below the 51% target.

Following the Government’s consultation on the Draft Revision of National Planning Framework, delegates discussed key priorities for the development of Ireland’s rural economy, including enhancing regional connectivity and broadband access, alongside safeguarding key economic drivers such as natural resources and the agriculture sector, and what is needed going forward from rural development policy. There was also discussion on key environmental considerations, including the implementation of transport orientated development (TOD) and actionable strategies to increase electric vehicle adoption.

The discussion took place following the Government’s announcement of resourcing changes to the planning system in the Draft Programme for Government, with funding earmarked for the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, and increased staffing levels for An Bord Pleanála, the Office of the Planning Regulator and local authority planning departments.

We also expected discussion on issues around international compliance and the Planning and Development Act 2024, against concerns expressed by the UN’s Aarhus Compliance Committee over opportunities for public oversight of extension of planning permission.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Claragh Mulhern, Acting Principal Planning Adviser, Chief Planner, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Niall Cussen, Chief Executive and Planning Regulator, Office of the Planning Regulator; Robert Costello, Partner, Capital Projects and Infrastructure, PwC Ireland; Dr Gavin Daly, Research and Policy Manager, European Spatial Planning Observatory Network; and Gavin Lawlor, President, Irish Planning Institute.

All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those that attended include officials from DAFM; DHLGH; DECC; DETE; DoT; DFHERIS; OPR; DAERA, NI; DfI, NI; MHCLG, UK; DBT, UK; and ONS.

This conference focused on next steps for online safety and regulation in Ireland.

It brought stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss priorities for effective implementation of the new Online Safety Code published by Coimisiún na Meán and recently approved by the European Commission, which requires video sharing platform services to protect users from harmful content.

Delegates examined provisions outlined in the code, with an updated draft version published in May, including the way forward for its practical application in protecting children online, requirements for parental controls, and obligations to prohibit the dissemination of harmful content in light of the Taoiseach’s recent commitments to ensure platform compliance in tackling online threats, bullying, and the spread of misinformation.

The agenda also focused on issues arising from consultation on the code, including the need for clarity and proportionality in its development, and next steps for minimising overlap with wider online safety legislation, following the recent High Court case regarding the designation of Reddit and Tumblr as platforms to be regulated by a new code.

Priorities for safeguarding children online were considered, looking at options for effective age verification measures, and addressing challenges posed by toxic AI recommender algorithms, with the Irish Council for Civil Liberties having expressed concern that these will not be covered by the code.

Further sessions explored areas of best practice in the development of online safety frameworks in Australia and how these can be applied to Ireland’s approach.

Delegates discussed coordination with wider EU law, in the context of the country of origin principle which means that the obligations and responsibilities of an online platform established in Ireland will be determined by Irish law. They discussed implementing and building on the Digital Services Act 2024, which requires online platforms to remove illegal content and introduces obligations regarding algorithmic transparency.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Niamh Hodnett, Online Safety Commissioner, Coimisiún na Meán; Rita Wezenbeek, Director, Platforms and Enforcement, DG Connect, European Commission; Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner; and Simon McGarr, Solicitor, McGarr Solicitors.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• Online Safety Code: priorities, provisions and key issues - structure and implementation - safety impact assessments - defining categories of harm - online education and digital literacy - options for age verification
• regulatory priorities: regulatory support and clarity of responsibility - ensuring proportionality - assessing harmful recommender algorithms - prospects for an individual complaints mechanism
• assessing best practice: learning from approaches elsewhere - options for cross-border collaboration - assessing merits of and challenges for prescriptive and descriptive approaches
• coordination with wider EU legislation: coordinating with regulatory bodies - minimising duplication of regulatory requirements - implementing the Digital Services Act 2024 - ensuring regulation is flexible
• protecting children: safeguarding against cyber-bullying and the promotion of self-harm, suicide or disordered eating - developing robust age verification technologies - measures for parental control systems
• tech industry priorities: platforms’ duty of care - implementation of new responsibilities - clarity of guidance and transparency on requirements of advertising policy - approaches for removal of harmful content
• addressing deep learning and AI algorithms: assessing the impact of recommender algorithms on children - potential for minimising the spread of disinformation
• complaints mechanisms: assessing how an individual complaints mechanism could work in practice - addressing resourcing challenges - options for a ‘super-complaints’ system to address systemic issues

All delegates were able to contribute, alongside key policy officials, to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. Those that attended include officials from DCEDIY, ROI; DTCAGSM, ROI; DfC, NI; DfE; DSIT; Ofcom; ICO; Education Scotland; Home Office; Government of Jersey; and the Welsh Government.

This conference assessed next steps for climate change adaptation and resilience in Ireland.

It was a timely opportunity to discuss key issues with implementation of a new National Adaptation Framework (NAF), published by DECC in June, which requires government departments, infrastructure providers and local authorities to prepare a new cycle of Adaptation Plans for key sectors including agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, transport, flood risk management and tourism.

Sessions in the agenda brought out latest thinking on concerns raised, looking at challenges in Ireland’s approach to adaptation, including:

• sectoral priorities: identifying clear plans across sectors, and allocating support and resources effectively to implement adaptation measures
• financial support: long-term policy signals to enable substantial investment in sustainability and resilience, and key financial support mechanisms for industries already at risk climate change effects
• local-level strategies: next steps for driving community involvement and moving towards a whole-of-society approach with clear, achievable goals
• monitoring: integrating robust mechanisms for monitoring progress and evaluating the effectiveness of adaptation

There was discussion on what is needed to ensure that developing Ireland’s climate resilience and a just transition are both embedded in policy and planning processes, as emphasised in Ireland’s Climate Change Assessment (ICCA) commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency, published in January.

Delegates also considered opportunities presented by the NAF in the delivery of new high quality jobs and the potential growth of new green sectors, as well as what is needed to enable and encourage cross-sectoral collaboration, including best practice for sharing knowledge and information, and priorities for strengthening institutional capacity.

Further sessions examined issues for Ireland within the wider European approach to climate adaptation and resilience, with the European Environment Agency’s recent Climate Risk Assessment finding that Europe is not prepared for rapidly growing climate risks.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Blaz Kurnik, Head, CET2, Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Group, European Environment Agency; Dr Stephen Flood, Resilience Team Lead, Irish Climate Change Advisory Council Secretariat; and Professor Conor Murphy, Professor, Department of Geography, Maynooth University; and Author, ICCA Volume Three: Being Prepared for Ireland’s Future Climate.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• Ireland’s current ability to adapt: considering findings from ICCA - adaptation planning - risk management - assessing adaptation fitness - communicating benefits of transitioning to a low carbon economy
• immediate priorities: developing Ireland’s climate resilience - implementing local adaptation plans - flood risk management and responses to extreme weather events - key financial support mechanisms
• key sectors: developing adaptation plans across agriculture, health, urban dwellings, tourism and sport, and financial services - assessing opportunities for high quality jobs and growth of new green sectors
• just resilience and adaptation: ensuring equity and fairness in adaptation approaches - protecting flood-risk areas and coastal communities - consulting with vulnerable groups - guidance for policymakers
• data and evaluation: fostering and funding a whole-of-society approach to sharing knowledge and information - addressing gaps in data - ensuring effective evaluation of approaches to learn from best practice
• Biodiversity Net Gain: assessing long-term goals for nature restoration - utilising natural resources for carbon capture and flood defence - transitioning to restoration and heritage practices
• policy: priorities for a new NAF - clarity on long-term policy signals - meeting emissions ceilings - staying within carbon budgets - scaling up and resourcing systematic approaches to climate adaptation - assessing the EU’s approach and findings of Europe’s climate risk assessment - lessons learned from Ireland’s first adaptation plans

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DAFM; DoT; DPENDR; Met Éireann; DHLGH; NPWS; FCDO; Isle of Man Government; DAERA, NI; DfC, NI; DfE, NI; DESNZ; DfT; MMO; DLUHC; Ofwat; and Homes England.

This conference focused on next steps for the regulation and development of artificial intelligence in Ireland.

It was an opportunity for key stakeholders and policymakers to examine priorities for implementation of the EU AI Act, which reached parliamentary approval in March 2024 to enact the world's first binding AI law.

Delegates discussed what the EU legislation will mean for the actions and targets laid out in the National AI Strategy, drawing on the DETE’s AI - Here for Good: Progress Report on the National AI Strategy, published in August 2023.

Those attending also assessed implications of the EU AI Act for the development, adoption and implementation of new AI technology, looking at concerns over adopting a risk-based approach, key priorities for trust and AI ethics, how Ireland can best realise the benefits of trusted AI across sectors, and identifying how Irish and European AI technology can build and retain competitiveness in a global market.

Further sessions looked at priorities for businesses and innovators, including what support will be needed for tech companies, SMEs and spin-outs to make new AI tools compliant with EU law, options for the development of regulatory sandboxes, and how Ireland can best continue to attract FDI from large global tech companies.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Gabriele Mazzini, Senior Expert, AI Policy Development and Coordination, European Commission; Dr Barry O’Sullivan, Full Professor, School of Computer Science and IT, UCC; Member, AI Advisory Council; and former Vice Chair, High-Level Expert Group on AI, European Commission; and Professor Gregory O’Hare, Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Head, School of Computer Science and Statistics, Trinity College Dublin.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• Ireland’s AI landscape: progress on the delivery of the National AI Strategy - next steps - assessing the emergence, development and use of generative AI - preparing for regulation - gauging trust
• EU AI Act: priorities post-agreement - adapting Irish law - benefits and challenges of a risk-based approach - support for business innovators - assessing the criteria for designating high-risk AI
• challenges: concerns over resource requirements for making new AI compliant - developing fair and effective standards - building trust - ensuring the ethical development and use of AI
• priorities for businesses and innovators: providing clarity and support, including for SMEs - developing fair and effective standards for AI - maximising benefits in AI use
• regulation: key legislative priorities for developing regulatory sandboxes to safely test AI innovations - assessing the role of regulators and how they can work together
• workforce: assessing the impact of AI on the workplace - safeguarding workers’ rights and employer interests - examining key skills priorities - securing the talent pipelines and attracting talent
• international cooperation: understanding differing approaches to AI regulation post-Brexit - options for developing an international approach
• policy: priorities for transposing the EU AI Act - assessing its place alongside existing legal frameworks, such as the DSA and GDPR law - facilitating a smooth transition

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DETE; AFBI, NI; CAFRE; DCEDIY; DSIT; Department for the Economy, NI; DBT; DESNZ; DfE; DfT; Education Scotland; GLD; HMRC; Home Office; IPO; NAO; Ofcom; OPSS; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

This conference focused on next steps for the transport sector in Ireland.

It was a timely opportunity to bring stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss strategies for connection, efficiency and sustainability with a focus on key policy developments, including the Climate Action Plan 2024 published in December 2023, which targets a 20% reduction in total vehicle kilometres travelled, a 50% reduction in fuel usage, and significant increases to sustainable transport trips and modal share.

Discussion also considered the ongoing review of Ireland’s National Ports Policy, the announcement of a National Demand Management Strategy for Ireland to tackle congestion in towns and cities, and proposed recommendations outlined in the draft All-Island Strategic Rail Review published in July 2023, with the final report expected to be published this spring.

Delegates assessed the current state of the transport sector and what support is needed to address key challenges, looking at:

• tackling deficiencies within rail services across the island, which include concerns surrounding inadequate coverage, low service frequencies and slow speeds compared tos other rail services
• the heavy reliance on private car usage
• rural isolation and congestion within towns and cities
• the move towards a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030

Sessions in the agenda discussed these challenges and what support sectors need to improve service provision and stimulate investment. Delegates also discussed opportunities for enhanced sustainable mobility to contribute to economic growth, and next steps towards meeting ambitions laid out in Project Ireland 2040.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Garret Doocey, Assistant Secretary, Land Transport Investment and Public Transport Policy, Department of Transport; Anne Graham, Chief Executive Officer, National Transport Authority; Professor Brian Caulfield, Professor of Transportation and Head of Discipline, Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin; and Elisa Lanzi, Senior Economist and Climate Change Mitigation Team Lead, OECD.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• Current state of transport in Ireland: assessing policy developments - stimulating investment in new infrastructure - improving connectivity
• Transport decarbonisation: investing in sustainable transport networks - incentivising behavioural change - planning for decarbonisation - latest thinking on system redesign for net zero targets
• Rural and urban connectivity: developing rural transport links - fostering cross-border collaboration - improving transport infrastructure - tackling congestion in towns and cities
• Ports: priorities for the review of National Ports Policy - maximising economic potential - considering consultation responses in developing future strategies for the efficient movement of people and goods
• Rail: considering recommendations outlined in the draft report of the Strategic Rail Review - options for electrifying the network - improving access to airports - improved North-South travel
• Policy: funding priorities for improving public transport - implementing actions from the Climate Action Plan - priorities for the planning system - futureproofing Ireland’s significant transport infrastructure projects

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DoT; DECC; Department for Infrastructure, NI; DAERA, NI; DAFM; Department for the Economy, NI; Department of Education; Department of Finance, NI; Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery & Reform; as well as pass-holders from both Houses of the Oireachtas.

This conference discussed the future for the offshore renewable energy (ORE) sector in Ireland.

Delegates assessed next steps for maximising growth and potential in the development of offshore wind energy following the recent ORESS 1 Offshore Auction, resulting in contracts with a combined capacity of 3.1 GW for four offshore wind projects.

It was also an opportunity to discuss priorities for the sector, with a focus on potential barriers to growth, looking at the planning system, growing investor confidence, and transitioning to the new maritime consenting regime.

Discussion considered how to maximise the economic potential of offshore wind energy development, including how Ireland can become a net exporter of clean renewable energy, and priorities for developing a National Industrial Strategy for Offshore Wind to stimulate sector growth. 

With publication of the DECC’s Climate Action Plan 2024 in December 2023, and the Irish Government committing to increase the share of renewable electricity up to 80% by 2030, delegates explored how the development of the ORE sector can contribute to the meeting of climate targets.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Conor McCabe, Principal Officer, International and Offshore Energy, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications; Laura Brien, Chief Executive Officer, MARA; Eoin McPartland, Offshore Manager, Energia; and Kate Tuohy, Director, Energy, Structured Finance Office, EMEA MUFG.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• Policy: next steps for development of ORESS 1 projects - priorities for future offshore wind auctions - assessing what sector growth means for the Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 strategy
• Enabling development of ORE: priorities for the planning system - stimulating investor confidence - implementing the new maritime consenting regime 
• Infrastructure:
  
  • next steps for funding and finance - what is needed to grow port infrastructure and to adapt to future needs - addressing concerns for energy storage
  • reviewing the National Ports Policy - implementing findings laid out in the Irish Ports Capacity Study
• Capitalising on Ireland’s potential: developing an Industrial Strategy for Offshore Wind - options for becoming a net energy exporter - contribution to the energy mix - ensuring projects equate to local community development 
• Supply chain: developing a robust and sustainable supply chain for offshore projects - addressing rising costs for materials - logistics challenges for equipment transportation and installation
• Skills and training: establishing effective programmes and initiatives - collaboration between industry and educational institutions to plug knowledge gaps and adequately staff projects 
• Environmental issues: protecting maritime biodiversity and nature - balancing priorities and ensuring ORE development does not hinder environmental protection strategies - developing a fair and effective consenting process

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DAERA, NI; DAFM; DECC; Department for the Economy, NI; Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery & Reform; DfE, UK; DfI, NI; DoE; DoE, NI; FCDO, UK; the Welsh Government - and pass-holders from both Houses of the Oireachtas.

This conference focused on priorities for improving cancer service provision, prevention, diagnosis and innovation in Ireland.

It took place approaching the later phase of the Department of Health’s National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026, and was an opportunity to discuss progress and implementation, areas for further improvement and to consider priorities beyond the strategy.

In light of ongoing Sláintecare reform, delegates discussed priorities for cancer services, accessibility to cancer care, and the impact on elective care of the development of health regions.

Sessions looked at next steps for care and service provision, including tackling high waiting lists and improving timely access to care, reconfiguring patient pathways and personalising care, as well as key issues for the cancer workforce.

It was also an opportunity to discuss the future outlook for achieving earlier diagnosis, including options for screening, innovation in diagnostics, managing risk, inequalities, comorbidities and developing approaches for prevention.

Further sessions assessed priorities for developing innovative cancer treatments, the role of AI in cancer going forward, building the evidence-base for new and innovative care models, and options for improving north-south collaboration.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Professor Juliette Hussey, Professor in Physiotherapy, Trinity College Dublin; Professor Mark Lawler, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor of Digital Health and Chair in Translational Cancer Genomics, Queen’s University Belfast; Averil Power, Chief Executive, Irish Cancer Society; Dr Nicolò Matteo Luca Battisti, President of SIOG; and Co-Chair of ECO’s Inequalities Network; and Professor Ronan Cahill, Professor of Surgery, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• assessing cancer care: next steps for developing policy - assessing cancer survivorship and the state of supportive care - effective patient pathways - personalised care
• improving provision: addressing inequalities in service provision - funding priorities for cancer services and options for bringing expenditure in line with other EU states
• stakeholder priorities: improving awareness and access to testing - enhancing screening - the role of advocacy services - addressing stigma
• tackling waiting lists: improving early intervention - ensuring timely access to treatment and diagnostics - options for developing community diagnostics hubs
• Sláintecare reform:
  
  
  
  • priorities for cancer services within ongoing health reform programmes
  • configuring the patient pathway for an increased focus on early intervention and efficient follow-up care - enhancing community-based care
• innovation: the role of AI - increasing collaborative working and knowledge exchange - priorities for R&I funding - developing and adopting new treatments - priorities for drug discovery and development
• prevention: aligning cancer strategies with public health missions, such as the Healthy Ireland initiative - addressing alcohol misuse - improving public health testing and referrals 
• cancer care post-COVID: addressing legacy waiting lists and uptake of screening services - tackling medicines, products and equipment shortages

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the Department of Health, ROI; Department of Health, NI; The Scottish Government; and both Houses of the Oireachtas.

This conference was focused on next steps for addressing the biodiversity crisis declared by the Dáil Éireann in 2019.

It ibrought together stakeholders with policymakers to examine the path forward for policy, including priorities for the next National Biodiversity Action Plan due for publication in 2024 and the published Climate Action Plan for 2024.

Delegates discussed immediate priorities for tackling biodiversity loss and its coordination with wider climate action, including strategies for maximising the impact of a richer and more fortified natural environment to meet wider climate and net zero targets.

The agenda also examined the way forward following recommendations by the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss in its 2023 final report, including improving leadership and increasing the ambition of the State in response to the biodiversity crisis, as well as its call for a referendum on amending the constitution with a view to protecting biodiversity.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, Chair, Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss; Lorna Slater MSP, Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, The Scottish Government; and Hans Stielstra, Deputy Head of Unit for Biodiversity, DG Environment, the European Commission.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• policy: assessing proposals for the fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan - preparing for the 2024 Climate Action Plan - insights from the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss
• current priorities: assessing immediate measures for halting biodiversity loss and facilitating conservation efforts - championing the social and cultural value of biodiversity on society
• developing an all-island approach:
  
  • sharing knowledge across the border - developing research partnerships
  • incentivising and supporting the agriculture sector - engaging local communities in local biodiversity action - the role of local authorities
• long-term goals: resourcing a whole-of-government, long-term approach to biodiversity conservation and net gain - coordinating approaches with wider climate action - protecting food security
• technology: utilising innovation to support conservation initiatives - the potential for AI-assisted conservation
• wider EU policy:
  
  • assessing the impact of Europe-wide policy on biodiversity conservation in Ireland - Ireland’s role in global approaches to biodiversity
  • learning from best practice, especially in rural green development - balancing the protection of biodiversity with food security

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DAERA; DAFM, NI; DECC; Defra; DESNZ; DHLGH; DoF NI; Northern Ireland Assembly; Northern Ireland Environment Agency; OEP; Irish Government; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

This conference discussed next steps for research and innovation policy and funding.

It brought stakeholders together with policymakers to examine key issues for sectors and organisations involved in R&I, including the progress of Ireland’s national R&I strategy Impact 2030, and what recent proposed changes might mean for key stakeholders.

As it took place following the publication of the draft Research and Innovation Bill in April 2023, which seeks to combine the two national funding bodies for R&I in Ireland into one unified funding agency, Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland, delegates assessed the potential benefits and challenges of a joined-up funding agency and what will be needed from the agency to support R&I across disciplines in Ireland.

Areas for discussion included clarity in the definition of research terms within the new Bill, improving diversity and developing parity of esteem across sectors of research, and positioning R&I as a driver of regional economic and social development.

Further sessions examined best practice within R&I ecosystems from other jurisdictions, as well as key priorities for the research workforce and achieving a robust and joined-up R&I network, considering the role that clusters can play in this.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Professor Ellen Hazelkorn, Joint Managing Partner, BH Associates, Dublin; and Professor Emeritus, Technological University Dublin; Dr Joseph Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, THEA; and Dr Lisa Keating, Director of Research and Innovation, Irish Universities Association.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• policy: priorities for the Research and Innovation Bill - progress of Impact 2030 - the role of Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland
• finance: investment priorities and addressing funding shortfalls
• international standing: options for restoring Ireland’s high-standing position as an innovation leader amongst EU member states
• R&I workforce: addressing skills shortages in key innovation areas - tackling instances of precarious employment - improving researcher retention - addressing brain drain concerns
• technical universities: developing the R&I capacity in new TUs - understanding how success can boost regional development 
• Ireland’s R&I ecosystem: fostering and developing clustering and networks - promoting knowledge transfer and exchange - capitalising on the value of national and international cooperation

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the DFHERIS; DoH; DAERA, NI; Department for the Economy, NI; and The Oireachtas.

This conference focused on priorities for the early childhood education and care sector across the island of Ireland.

It brought together stakeholders and policymakers to examine policy developments and their implementation on both sides of the border, including:

• the Republic of Ireland’s First 5: Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families
• the NI Executive’s Review of Childcare Services in Northern Ireland, which aims to inform development of an Early Learning and Childcare Strategy, with calls for it to be a priority for the new Executive
• the recently published State of the Nation’s Children report by Minister O’Gorman TD 
• the recent announcement from Minister O’Gorman TD of a €45m Capital Grant for the early learning and childcare sector

It was also an opportune time to discuss the outcomes from the Independent Review of Education in NI, which made a number of recommendations related to early years, including an expansion of early years education, increased training and professional development for early years practitioners, a focus on disadvantaged children, and the joining up of different services between health and education.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Paul Brush, Director of Early Years, Children and Youth, Department of Education, NI; Dr Glenda Walsh, Head of Early Years Education and Assistant Director, Centre for Research in Educational Underachievement, Stranmillis University College; and Dr Leah O’Toole, Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education, Maynooth University; and Principal Investigator, Aistear Consultation with Babies and Young Children, The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework (NCCA 2009).

The conference was also an opportunity to examine key issues, including next steps for addressing inequalities in accessing provision, affordability and workforce concerns.

Further sessions discussed prospects for developing an all-island approach to tackling educational underachievement, following calls from former Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD for a joined-up approach to addressing the sector’s shared challenges.

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DCEDIY, ROI; DoE, ROI; DoE, NI; DAERA, NI; DoH, NI; Department of Finance, NI; ETI; HSE; as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the Northern Ireland Assembly.