MEP Gallagher - Record number of Irish students are participating in the Erasmus programme

Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP today confirmed that more and more Irish students in third level education are participating in the EU funded exchange programme known as Erasmus.

Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP stated that "In the academic year 2008/2009, over 1,800 students participated in the Erasmus programme."

"The Erasmus programme is the initiative whereby a student from a third level college in Ireland can go and study for a period of between 3 and 12 months in another European country."

"Over 26, 600 Irish students have taken part in Erasmus since the establishment of the programme in 1987. More students than ever before went on Erasmus last year."

"The Erasmus programme is an important element in providing better education, promoting higher practical language skills and supporting job creation."

Irish students interested in the programme can obtain practical information on Erasmus from the Higher Education Authority.

ENDS