Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2021
96. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the proposals he has to increase co-operation on an all-Ireland basis in the provision of further and higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26957/21]
View answerI am strongly committed to the promotion of collaboration between further and higher education institutions, North and South, and this is a major agenda on the strategic work programme of my Department, as set out in our recently published Statement of Strategy.
Both the New Decade, New Approach Agreement and the Programme for Government have been very clear on the importance of enhanced cross border collaboration.
The Taoiseach's announcement of the Shared Island Initiative is also very significant in terms of contributing additional progress in further and higher education, both North and South. My Department is working closely with the Department of the Taoiseach, as well as with the Department of Foreign Affairs, our colleagues in Northern Ireland and a range of other stakeholders North and South.
The key North-South initiatives which I am pursuing as a priority include:
- the potential for development of all-island research centres;
- capacity building in North-South research collaboration;
- examining the potential for development of Ulster University Magee Campus in the context of overall developments in the North-West;
- developing skills projects under the Peace+ Programme in close collaboration with the Department of the Economy;
- ensuring students in Northern Ireland can continue to avail of opportunities under Erasmus+.
It makes sense to ensure that we learn from each other's systems, and where it is possible that we maximise the delivery of teaching, learning and research resources efficiently. It is in the interests of all that we do so. This has been central to my approach on North-South matters and will continue to guide our work on this important agenda.
