Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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119. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of securing the movement of higher education students, staff and research funding between the two jurisdictions on the island of Ireland in the wake of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28466/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Common Travel Area (CTA) will continue to facilitate the movement of staff and students between higher education institutions on the island of Ireland after the end of the Brexit transition period. Under the CTA, Irish and British citizens can move freely and reside in either jurisdiction and enjoy associated rights and entitlements including access to employment, education and social benefits. Irish citizens can live, work and study in the UK on the same basis as British citizens, and vice versa.

Ireland and the UK signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2019 reaffirming their commitment to maintaining the CTA in all circumstances. The CTA was also recognised in the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

Irish officials continue to work with their UK counterparts to ensure that the interests and reciprocal rights of our respective citizens are maintained and safeguarded by the CTA. It is also important to note the Government is proposing legislation to ensure that SUSI grants will continue to be available on the same basis as now.

I welcome the resumption of North South Ministerial Council meetings, bringing the Irish Government and Northern Ireland Executive together to oversee ongoing North South work and further develop cooperation, as provided for under the Good Friday Agreement. The Government has consistently affirmed its unwavering commitment to North South co-operation across all sectors, including all-island engagement on education, research and innovation. This involves fostering collaboration and encouraging those involved in research to take advantage of the opportunities available.

Higher education institutions have a key role in North South collaborative research across the island and in undertaking research which results in innovation and leads to economic growth. Everything possible must be done to ensure that this cooperation continues to grow and strengthen. The Government remains committed to keeping the island of Ireland at the forefront of global research and innovation.