Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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666. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which he plans to improve all island research and education; the meetings he has had with his counterpart in Northern Ireland in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38244/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I had a video-conference meeting with the Northern Ireland Minister for the Economy last month, and while it was mainly introductory, we both acknowledged the importance of the research and innovation agenda for the continued economic development to the island of Ireland. Through Universities Ireland, I am working closely with the Presidents and Vice-chancellors of universities, both North and South, with a view to identifying strong and sustainable projects, which may provide the basis for joint actions by Minister Dodds and myself.

In addition, Science Foundation Ireland continues to progress specific proposal for the development of an All-island Research Centres, and they are currently engaged in detailed discussions on both side of the Border on this matter.