Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

322. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the details of the cross-Border Project Ireland 2040 infrastructure projects and the funding allocated for 2021, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form. [53846/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

While there are a number of cross-border projects in Project Ireland 2040 falling within my remit, a number of these including the investment in the Magee Campus and the all-island research hubs are currently being developed in partnership with relevant stakeholders in Northern Ireland, and as yet, costs have not yet being finalised.

The Deputy will recall that along with the Taoiseach, I launched the North-South research programme with a commitment of €40 million over the next 5 years. The HEA are currently evaluating responses to their Call for Proposals from higher education institutions, North and South.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

323. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the details of his Department’s current cross-Border initiatives, goods and or services committed to and the funding allocated to each for 2021, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form. [53864/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Funding for the following projects were made in 2021.

Centre for Cross Border Studies (CCBS) - €180,000

Standing Conference on Teacher Education North/ South (SCoTENS) €30,000

Universities Ireland - €30,000

Washington Ireland Programme - $106,000

George Mitchell Scholarship Programme - $407,167

While the Revised Estimates Volume will be published later this month, it is likely that the same volume of expenditure will be made for 2022.

In addition, commitments were made in respect of the following projects, but as yet no funding has taken place in respect of the North South Research (with a commitment of €40m) and All-island Research hubs (yet to be finalised).

Finally, following the approval by the Irish Government and the NSMC of the draft PEACE PLUS programme, DFHERIS will also be liable for expenditure in respect of the cross-border skills initiative. However, the draft plan, including the allocation of funding across the various actions, is subject to final approval from the EU Commission.

It is not possible at this stage to finalise the funding positions for 2023.