Through the SOCRATES and ERASMUS programmes the European Union has funded teaching staff exchanges and assisted in putting in place a transnational curriculum. In the academic year 1999-2000, 145 Irish teachers spent periods teaching abroad. Irish schools have also participated in the COMENIUS programme which promotes co-operation in first and second level schools. Between the years 1995 and 1999 Ireland received over €5 million under the Leonardo programme as support for vocational training initiatives. Over 2,800 Irish people, mostly under the age of 28 years, benefited during that period from vocational placements and exchanges.