Question to the Minister for Education and Science (Mr Ruairí Quinn, TD)
To ask the Minister for Education and Skills regarding the Europe 2020 Strategy, the increased investment in education, training, youth and sport by the European Commission, the increased opportunities that will arise for students from Ireland to partake in the Erasmus for All initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Jerry Buttimer.
For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 8th July, 2014.
Freagra
Education is pivotal to the Europe 2020 Strategy and, in recognition of this, the Erasmus+ programme represents an investment in education, training, youth and sport projects and activities by the European Commission. The Commission will fund the programme in the amount of €14.7 billion over the seven years from 2014 to 2020. This represents an increase of 40% on the funding allocated to the predecessor programmes, primarily the Lifelong Learning Programme and Youth in Action. Of this, Ireland is expected to benefit in the amount €169 million approximately.
It is anticipated that some 62,000 Irish citizens will participate in Erasmus+ over the seven year period. Students, teachers, trainers as well as education and training institutions and business will all be eligible to participate in projects and mobility activities.
Two thirds of the budget is allocated to learning opportunities abroad for individuals, within the EU and beyond; the remainder will support partnerships between educational institutions, youth organisations, business, local and regional authorities and NGOs, as well as reforms to modernise education and training and to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and employability.