Local Fianna Fáil Minister of State, Robert TroyTroy calls for prototype grants for secondary school innovatorsLocal Fianna Fáil Minister of State Robert Troy has called on the Department of Enterprise to introduce ‘prototype’ grants of up to €1,000 for secondary school students to help young innovators turn strong ideas into real, working projects. Minister Troy said Ireland must do more to actively cultivate a culture of innovation and risk-taking among young people if the country is to build its own future industries. We should be encouraging young people not just to seek secure employment but to see themselves as creators, inventors and future entrepreneurs," Minister Troy said. Minister Troy said the exhibition highlights both the exceptional talent of Irish students and a missed opportunity. By backing young innovators early we are laying the foundations for the next generation of Irish companies Irish jobs and Irish ideas," he concluded.

Source: Irish Independent January 08, 2026 15:41 UTC