Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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824. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to a proposal (details supplied) from an experienced senior academic regarding the contribution which third level scholarships could make to the rebuilding of Gaza and, in particular, to young adults impacted by the destruction of education infrastructure; if he will support each institution making just one place available under this initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41877/14]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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The recent conflict in Gaza has had devastating humanitarian consequences. The large scale internal displacement and damage caused to infrastructure has compounded already difficult living conditions.

In response to the conflict, Ireland has pledged a total of €3 million towards urgent immediate needs as well as long term recovery efforts. This support is in addition to our broader programme of assistance to the Palestinian people which currently amounts to over €10 million annually.

Ireland’s funding to the Palestinian people 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.

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 sector will remain on ensuring the provision of primary and secondary level education to Palestinian children.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. The proposal referred to, relating to scholarships from Gaza, offers some interesting ideas which we are considering. In the meantime, we will 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.