1968. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether his Department has provided any support for partnerships between Irish higher education institutions and Palestinian higher education institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34343/24]

The Department for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science has not to date provided any specific supports for partnerships between Irish higher education institutions and Palestinian higher education institutions.

However, as autonomous bodies higher education institutions are entitled to develop partnerships in accordance with their own strategic priorities.

In addition, I am aware that a number of Irish Universities are responding to requests from Palestinians fleeing the conflict, as part of the Scholars at Risk programme and University Sanctuary Programmes, in addition to specific institutional responses. The Department of Foreign Affairs is also providing support to students from Palestine through the Ireland Fellows Programme.