The Government has launched the Ireland-Palestine Scholarship Programme, which will see Palestinians complete Master's courses in Irish higher education institutions.
Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney increased funding for scholarships offered to Palestinian students in 2018.
He also signalled Ireland's intention to establish a dedicated scholarship programme.
It will offer over 20 full scholarships to Palestinian students to study a wide variety of courses, beginning in the academic year 2019/2020.
Speaking ahead of the launch of the new programme, Mr Coveney said: "Improving the opportunities for young Palestinians to access quality education has been a priority for Ireland in our work in Palestine for many years.
"We are well aware from our own experience in Ireland of the important role that education plays in economic and social development.
"Education increases access to jobs. It instils greater confidence and empowers people to better articulate their own needs.
"Today's launch of the Ireland-Palestine Scholarship Programme is a further step forward in Ireland's support for education in Palestine."
Tánaiste @simoncoveney today announced the launch of the Ireland-Palestine Scholarship Programme which will offer 20+ full scholarships this year to Palestinian students to study a variety of courses in higher education institutions in Ireland 👨🎓👩🎓
More 👉https://t.co/oE4pDmGnCe pic.twitter.com/1TnfUvtSnl— Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) February 11, 2019
He added: "We look forward to welcoming an increased cohort of Palestinian students to study in Ireland this year and to growing the programme further in the years ahead."
Full details of the new programme, and how to apply, are available here.
The deadline to apply is March 14th.
A formal launch ceremony was also held in Ramallah on Monday, with the participation of the Palestinian Authority Minister for Education Dr Sabri Saidam and the Representative of Ireland in Palestine, Jonathan Conlon.
Delighted to launch today with Dr. Sabri Saidam the Ireland-Palestine Scholarship Programme, announced during visit last year by Tánaiste @simoncoveney. Offering over 20 full scholarships at Master's level in Ireland. Full details on our website. Deadline to apply is 14 March! pic.twitter.com/xTAwBUIUlj
— Ireland in Palestine (@IrlRepRamallah) February 11, 2019
Ireland's funding to the Palestinian people has traditionally had a strong focus on the education sector which, the Government has said is crucial to Palestine's long-term economic viability.
Funding is provided to the Palestinian Authority and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in support of their education programmes.
Support to the Palestinian Authority's Education Sector Strategic Plan is provided through a Joint Financing Arrangement along with other donors.
Some €2.5m was provided in 2018, bringing Ireland's total contribution since the establishment of the Joint Financing Arrangement to €15.85m.
Ireland also provides annual funding of €4m to UNRWA's Programme Budget, which gives a range of social services including health and education services to Palestine refugees across its five areas of operation.
