Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 November 2021
184. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the engagement that his Department has had with the UK department of higher education in England, Scotland and Wales in respect of the Erasmus programme which would enable Irish and UK students seeking to obtain funding supports to study, train, and get work experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55012/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the UK was afforded the opportunity under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement to remain part of the Erasmus programme, they chose not to.
I have had discussions with the UK Secretary of State for Education and the Scottish Deputy First Minister on the question of student mobility, and the MoU on the Education Principles associated with the Common Travel Area protects mobility on the basis of undergraduate and post-graduate study.
At present, Irish Higher Education Institutions can continue mobilities with the UK until May 31st 2023 as part of the old Erasmus+ programme (2014-2020)
After that date, while it is possible for Irish Higher Education Institutions to allow up 20% of its student mobilities to take place in third countries such as the UK, there are very strict conditions governing this. Ultimately, this is a matter for each institution to decide in accordance with their annual allocation.
I will continue to engage on any relevant issues with my counterparts in the UK.
