Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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160. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide information and clarity regarding the prospects of third-level students of studying abroad in the 2021-2022 academic year given the current Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2155/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Erasmus+ programme is the main avenue through which my Department and the Higher Education community support studying abroad for third-level students. I am optimistic that opportunities to study abroad under the Erasmus+ programme will continue to be maintained in the 2021-2022 academic year.

The European Commission approved the new work programme for Erasmus+ (2021-2028) in December 2020. The Higher Education Authority (HEA), which acts as the National Agency for the Erasmus+ Higher Education programme, is expecting to announce a call for applications to all participating Higher Education Institutions in March 2021. The HEA is working with the Sector to help it to benefit from the flexible approach proposed in the new Erasmus programme.  In response to suggestions to the European Commission made over a number of years, shorter duration mobilities and the use of blended modes of participation are now being introduced. These measures will help widen opportunities for learning mobilities in our higher education sector.

In 2021/2022, students and staff will have the opportunity to undertake a physical mobility to their chosen destination, should the circumstances surrounding international travel and the Covid-19 pandemic permit this. Students can also undertake a blended mobility approach, combining a period of physical mobility with a period of virtual learning. If international travel is not possible, students can do a virtual mobility for the entire duration of their Erasmus experience.