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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has today (Wednesday) met with European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Mariya Gabriel.

The meeting focused on Ireland’s plans for a new national Strategy for Research and Innovation, and an expansion of the European Universities Initiative.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said:

Ireland has experienced significant challenges arising from Brexit but it also has created many opportunities too, particularly in education, research and innovation.

Today’s meeting offered an opportunity to brief the Commissioner on our exciting new plans for an International Education Strategy, and a new Research and Innovation plan.

Ireland’s place remains at the heart of the European Union and maintaining relationships with our colleagues across Europe is essential to ensure Ireland’s education and innovation sectors can continue to grow and develop.

Minister Harris also confirmed he is seeking to increase investment in the European Universities Initiative, which aims to allow students obtain a degree by combining studies in several EU higher education institutions.

The Minister added:

Ireland been very supportive of this programme since its inception and it is an important strategic opportunity for the Irish higher education sector.

By participating in the European Universities Initiative, Irish institutions will strengthen their offering, enhance the student experience, prepare our young people for their future as European citizens in a global world, broaden their research possibilities and collaborative prospects and open the door to new possibilities. 

I see huge potential in this initiative for Irish institutions, students and researchers and I am examining how best to provide additional funding to institutes that are participating.