Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

219. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the Erasmus scheme and Eramus+ programme; if he will outline Irelands contribution to this policy during the Irish EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36171/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Erasmus+ programme, worth approximately €16 billion over a seven year period, brings together all the current EU and international schemes for education, training and youth. For the first time, sports initiatives are included. The Irish Presidency brokered agreement on the programme with the European Parliament on 26th June last.

This new programme will focus on formal and informal learning across EU borders to improve the skills and employability of students, educators and workers. The new framework will provide an enhanced focus on student and educator mobility, reform of existing overlapping structures and greater co-operation in the field of education with non-EU countries. This new programme also includes a focus on the exchange of best practice in teaching and seeks to build strong partnerships between education and business to foster innovation and competitiveness while promoting employability. For the first time, sport will be a core component with a focus on grassroots activities, inclusivity and cooperation.