asked the Minister for Education if she has any plans to improve the terms of the Erasmus grant scheme for students studying abroad in EC or other countries.
Written Answers. - Erasmus Grant Scheme.
37.
The method by which money for student grants is allocated to member states is fixed by the terms of the Erasmus Decision adopted in 1987. These cannot be altered during the present phase of the programme which will operate up to 30 June next year. However, I would like to inform the Deputy that at a meeting of Community Education Ministers in November last I pressed home very strongly the difficulties being experienced here under the present arrangements and emphasised the need for an improved method of allocation in the next phase of the programme. The Commission are fully aware of our difficulties and they will be highlighted in bilateral discussions which are to take place later this month. I am confident that the arrangements in the next phase of the Erasmus Programme will be more satisfactory.