Plans to increase education links between Ireland and Egypt

QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to increase education links between Ireland and Egypt; the efforts being made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

The Government’s International Education Strategy, Irish Educated, Globally Connected was published in October 2016.
As part of this strategy, my Department has been working with Enterprise Ireland, the education sector and our Embassy Network to identify educational opportunities and develop links in targeted overseas education markets.
 On the 4 December 2018, Enterprise Ireland engaged in a two-day trade mission to Egypt.  
Enterprise Ireland (under the Education in Ireland brand) used the opportunity of this trade mission to explore higher education opportunities for Ireland in Egypt, by engaging in discussions on possible collaborations with Egyptian Universities, education agents and other stakeholders.
It is likely that this exploratory work will lead to a more structured piece of research being conducted on the opportunities available for Ireland, in the Egyptian Higher Education market, and a familiarisation trip to Ireland by Egyptian education agents later this year.