Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
741. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking to ensure that third-level students will have access to the Erasmus+ programme in the academic year 2021-2022 despite Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16344/21]
View answerWhile Erasmus+ (2021-2028) was approved in principle in December 2020, the formal EU regulatory processes have yet to be concluded. Notwithstanding this, 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 shortly.
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.
In response to suggestions made to the European Commission 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. 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.
