Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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1343. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if additional information will be provided on the all-island research centres referenced in his Departments statement of strategy 2021-2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20359/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The advancement of research collaboration, as set out within New Decade, New Approach is a major priority for my Department. As the Deputy notes, this has also been highlighted as an area of priority by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) as part of its recently launched strategy, Shaping our Future.

My Department and SFI are continuing to advance the discussions with our counterparts in Northern Ireland and Britain.

My Department is also working closely with the Department of the Taoiseach in this regard to support this specific activity as well as other potential initiatives in the area of research.

SFI has already put forward detailed proposals to facilitate the development of all island research centres. These mechanisms, along with requisite co-funding and research priority areas, are being discussed with officials in Northern Ireland and on an East-West basis. My Department is also examining how we can support capacity building in North-South research collaboration.