Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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154. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will approach Irish third level institutions regarding the contribution they may make to the setting up of Gaza scholarships, especially in the fields of medicine and nursing, horticulture and engineering, as a serious means of aid to the rebuilding of Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40778/14]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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The recent conflict in Gaza has had devastating humanitarian consequences, with the resulting large scale internal displacement and damage to infrastructure compounding already difficult living conditions. In response to the conflict, Ireland initially provided €500,000 to the Emergency Appeal of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in July. At the International Gaza Reconstruction Conference, attended by Minister Flanagan earlier this month, Ireland pledged a further €2.5 million towards both urgent immediate needs as well as long term recovery efforts.

The support provided for Gaza is in addition to our broader programme of assistance to the Palestinian people which currently amounts to over €10 million annually. Ireland’s funding has traditionally had a strong focus on the education sector which is crucial to Palestine’s long-term economic viability. Along with a number of other donors, Ireland is providing support to the Palestinian Authority’s Education Development Strategic Plan through a Joint Financing Arrangement. €1.5 million will be provided this year, bringing Ireland’s total contribution since the establishment of the Joint Financing Arrangement to €7.5 million.

Through the Irish Aid Fellowship Training Programme, Ireland provides higher education opportunities to increase the specialist knowledge of staff working in our partner organisations. Successful fellows from the occupied Palestinian territory have studied a variety of different courses including human rights law and global health at third level institutes in Ireland.

Our response to the most recent conflict in Gaza has focussed on meeting the immediate humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza. As we consider our contribution to the longer term reconstruction and development efforts our focus within the education section will remain on ensuring the provision of primary and secondary level education to Palestinian children. We will also continue to work with our partners in the occupied Palestinian territory and with third level institutes in Ireland to ensure educational opportunities for Palestinians, including those involved in the reconstruction and development of Gaza.