Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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77. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has engaged with the Cabinet or his European counterparts in relation to seeking a suspension of Israel’s participation in Horizon Europe. [27062/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I am very concerned by the desperate situation of civilians in Gaza. This remains a central priority for the Government, including at EU level, where Ireland is consistently calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

Horizon Europe is the European Union’s leading research and innovation programme and encompasses all European Member States as well as 18 Associated Countries from around the world. Israel became associated to Horizon Europe on the 6th of December 2021 by signing an agreement with the European Commission. This agreement references the EU-Israel Association Agreement established in 2000 as providing the overarching general principles for Israel’s participation.

On February 14th of this year, then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Prime Minister Sanchez of Spain wrote to the President of the European Commission, requesting an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. This comprehensive agreement establishes the basic principles of cooperation between the EU and Israel on a wide range of issues, including a framework for participation in European programmes.

While this initiative does not enjoy the support of all EU partners, it remains my firm view that the European Commission should respond in a meaningful manner to the Irish-Spanish request. This was further emphasised by the Taoiseach when he met with President von der Leyen on 11 April.

The negotiation process for incorporating new Associated Countries to Horizon Europe is the sole competence of the European Commission. EU Member States and the European Parliament have no formal role in these negotiations and are not required to approve the agreements. Member States also have no legal capacity to suspend or alter these Association Agreements. For this reason, a suspension has not been discussed with EU counterparts.

The Horizon Europe agreement signed with Israel includes Article 9.8 which limits participation by Israel to the areas within Israel’s pre-1967 borders, in line with general EU policy. Israel has been associated to the EU's research and innovation framework programmes since 1996.

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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78. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the progress of the Solas-commissioned independent evaluation of the specialist training provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26452/24]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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SOLAS is currently undertaking an independent evaluation of the ‘Specialist Training Provision for People with Disabilities’ programme. Under this programme, the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) contract Specialist Training Providers (STPs) to offer vocational training programmes, in specific settings, for persons with disabilities. The basis for this provision is that some people with disabilities have needs that may not be catered for through non-specialist vocational training provision. STPs provide intensive, tailored training and supports. Specialist Training Provision aims to meet additional needs relating to access and training duration and support.

The purpose of the evaluation is to generate evidence-based conclusions and propose recommendations about the quality, effectiveness, on-going relevance, and overall value of vocational training that is currently delivered by Specialist Training Provision and the integration of this training within the wider further education and training provision by ETBs.

The evaluation is well advanced and due for completion by the end of June, following which SOLAS and my Department will review its findings in consultation with the STP providers.

Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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79. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on the proposed new veterinary school. [26571/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Higher Education Authority ran a process to identify options to expand higher education provision in a number of priority skills areas, including Veterinary Medicine. Proposals were put forward by a range of higher education institutions under this process. The options identified have the potential to significantly increase the numbers of students who would be able to take up places on Veterinary Medicine programmes.

It is important to say that there would be substantial capital investment required to support the development of any new veterinary school. Consideration is ongoing as to how these capital costs could be met, and I am working with my colleague Minister McConologue on this.

Next steps will involve establishing the available level of funding. At that point the HEA will re-engage with the higher education sector on the potential options, and we will progress to a process to prioritise options considering a range of factors including alignment with skills need, deliverability, regional considerations and value for money.

I would note that my Department does not place a quota on the number of places on veterinary medicine courses offered by higher education institutions, and Ministerial approval is not required for an institution to establish a new school if they are in the position to fund it.

I am continuing to work with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on progressing this matter.