Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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534. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the inclusion of a special policy for biomedical research into myalgic encephalomyelitis and other under investigated conditions in the first work programme of Horizon Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5507/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Horizon Europe is the ninth iteration of the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.  It will be officially launched on 02 February 2021.

It builds upon the activities and research funded by the previous Framework Programme, Horizon 2020.

Like Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe adopts a three-pillar approach:

- Open science pillar– which continues the focus on supporting excellent science through the European Research Council, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions and investment in research infrastructures; 

- Global challenges and industrial competitiveness pillar– which takes a more ‘top down’ approach to addressing global policy and competitiveness challenges, grouped under six thematic clusters: health; culture, creativity and inclusive society; civil security for society; digital, industry and space; climate, energy and mobility; and food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment.

- Open innovation pillar – which focuses on enhancing Europe’s innovation performance by establishing a European Innovation Council (EIC), and also contains the work of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), and measures to improve the European Innovation ecosystem.

Individual Work Programmes under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme include a specific Health Cluster Work Programme.  As with other work programmes, this is still under development by the European Commission and Member States and is strictly confidential until it has been finalised and approved. The expected timeline for approval and publication of the Horizon Europe Work Programme is mid-April 2021, but this is subject to change.

Ireland has dedicated resources under the National Support Network to support applicants in identifying opportunities for EU Funding, and stakeholders can contact the National Contact Points for Horizon 2020 Health for any future queries: .