Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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109. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the safety measures in place for students that are either on an Erasmus programme for the current academic year or those considering embarking on the programme for the 2021-22 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30834/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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All higher education institutions that participate in the Erasmus+ programme must hold an Erasmus Charter. In signing this Charter, the HEI confirms that its participation in Erasmus+ is part of its own strategy for modernisation and internationalisation.

A key aspect to the Erasmus Charter is the promotion of measures that ensure the safety of outgoing and incoming mobile participants. Institutions must communicate to incoming and outgoing students and staff any potential risks or threats to their safety that could be encountered during their mobility and offer guidance on how to prevent them, as well as what to do in case of an emergency.

They must offer information on health, accident and theft insurance schemes and strongly encourage students to sign up for them. In addition, all students must have a European Health Insurance Card before they go on a mobility.

Higher education institutions, the Department and its Agencies will continue to take into consideration the public health advice available during these challenging times and will continue to work with students, their representatives and the European Commission to ensure a safe and continued Erasmus+ experience.