06 June, 2006 - Irish Research eLibrary for Universities

'High level research is  an academic and national imperative' - Minister Hanafin

Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, T.D., today launched the Irish Research eLibrary (IReL).  IReL is a nationally funded, electronic research library that provides online access to full-text articles from thousands of quality, peer-reviewed research publications across a range of disciplines. All researchers, staff and students in Ireland's seven universities can access IReL.  This research facility which began in 2004 has been jointly funded by the Higher Education Authority and Science Foundation Ireland.  By the end of this year the Government will have provided over €12million in funding for development of IReL.

"This phenomenal development resource, inspired by university librarians, will enhance the hugely significant advances that have been made in building the research capability of this country" said Minister Hanafin today. 

Outlining progress made in the area of research Minister Hanafin said "the transformation of the Irish research landscape is part of a significant cultural shift in Irish higher education.  Thanks to massive investment in research, a much stronger research culture now prevails in our institutions.  Under the Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions (PRTLI) three cycles of awards have been announced since 1999 totalling €605million.

Undergraduate students are being exposed to this environment and that can only help boost our numbers in postgraduate and doctoral studies in the future. The Government has set a target of doubling of numbers by the end of the decade and IreL will be a tremendous asset for any student with intentions of pursuing further studies."

Highlighting the Government's objectives for social and economic development in the new knowledge age, Minister Hanafin said "the Institutes of Technology Bill 2006 has recently passed second stage in the Dail. This Bill will create a unified strategic framework for higher education, as we seek to draw on the resources of all our institutions, in building system wide strength in the sector.

The Government is increasingly looking to higher education to support our wider national objectives in developing a knowledge based economy.  As part of that process it is imperative that researchers have speedy access to the latest information. Today's launch will play a prominent part in further developing our research capabilities and I congratulate all concerned with this project."

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