Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2021
82. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the proposals there are to develop opportunities for additional North/South co-operation in the provision of further education and higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36831/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, there is already a rich legacy of collaboration between Further and Higher Education Institutions on a North-South basis. Many of these have grown due to proximity while others have been facilitated through various EU instruments including the PEACE and Horizon programmes.
The Special EU Programmes Body is currently drafting the next iteration of PEACE PLUS, which will be submitted in due course to the EU Commission for approval. Officials in my Department and the Department of the Economy are currently working together to identify possible actions to address policies such as skills acquisition, and this will in due course offer new opportunities for Further and Higher Education Institutions to deepen collaborative actions in this area.
Furthermore, the UK have confirmed their intention to continue their participation in the Horizon programme, and this will similarly offer opportunities for higher education and research institutions to develop additional opportunities to cooperate.
It is also important to note that the Government, through the Shared Island Initative, is determined to create a positive context for greater North-South collaboration. For example, on 5th July, the Taoiseach and I launched a dedicated North-South Research Initiative, which will be a €40m fund over 5 years, and will be a flagship programme under the Shared Island initiative.
