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Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 June 2021

Thursday, 3 June 2021

Questions (277, 278, 279, 280, 281)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

277. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a unanimous vote is required in the European Council to provide the European Commission with negotiation mandate for third country accession to the Horizon Europe programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30322/21]

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Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

278. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a unanimous vote is required to approve and renew an accession agreement of a third country to the Horizon Europe programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30323/21]

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Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

279. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the configuration of the European Council which is responsible for approving the mandate for third country association of third countries to Horizon Europe; when he anticipates that this will be on the agenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30324/21]

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Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

280. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the configuration of the European Council which is responsible for approving an association agreement negotiated by the European Commission with a third country for Horizon Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30325/21]

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Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

281. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will oppose or support the European Commission request for a negotiating mandate for an association agreement with Israel for Horizon Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30326/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 277 to 281, inclusive, together.

With respect to association to Horizon Europe by third countries, the criteria and principles regarding participation are set out in Article 16 of Regulation (EU) 2021/695, the Horizon Europe Regulation.

Under the Horizon Europe Regulation, there are four categories of association countries:a. Members of the European Free Trade Association, which are members of the EEA – including Norway and Iceland; b. Enlargement countries; c. Neighbourhood Policy Countries; d. Other third countries and territories that fulfil the criteria outlined in the Horizon Europe Regulation. The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science leads on Horizon Europe. The Competitiveness Council (Research and Innovation) is the Council configuration responsible for Horizon Europe. The Working Party on Research is the relevant preparatory body. In respect of Israel, as a category c country, its participation in EU programmes, including Horizon Europe, is governed by the specific conditions laid down in the EU-Israel Association Agreement. In accordance with EU policy, this agreement does not apply to the geographic areas that came under the administration of the State of Israel after 5 June 1967. For category c countries, the Commission prepares a template agreement which is circulated to Member States for information. No Council Decision or negotiating mandate is required. The Commission expects the negotiations with these countries to take place between June and October 2021.

Question No. 280 answered with Question No. 277.

Question No. 281 answered with Question No. 277.

Question No. 278 answered with Question No. 277.
Question No. 279 answered with Question No. 277.
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