Vol. 448 No. 6
176 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Education, in respect of primary and post primary teachers involved in study visits to other EU countries in 1993 and 1994, the number of teachers involved in such schemes; the way in which the participants were selected; the source of funding; the overall cost; and future plans, if any, she has regarding such educational visits. [2804/95]
The Arion Programme of study visits is an EU initiative and is 100 per cent funded by the Commission. The programme is designed to improve mutual understanding of the different education systems within the European Union and to develop exchanges between those responsible for education at local, regional and national level.
Ireland has an allocation of 30 places annually on the programme. Nominees from Ireland include members of managerial bodies, the National Parents Council, teachers (primary and post-primary) and Department of Education personnel. The programme is usually divided into 16 themes and participants chosen for these are well known to have an interest and expertise in a particular theme. The final choice is made by a panel of the senior inspectorate of the Department of Education.
Five Primary teachers and ten post-primary teachers participated in the 1993-94 round of study visits. Each participant receives a block grant of approximately £650. An additional £115 is paid to those participants whose journey exceeds 2,000 km.
