Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
262. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth her Departments involvement with the promotion of the Erasmus + Programme in schools and youth organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23285/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Agency for the implementation of the Erasmus+ Programme in Ireland is Léargas. Léargas is responsible for the promotion and implementation of the Erasmus+ programme at national level.
While the department does not take a direct role in the promotion of the Erasmus+ Programme, it fully supports the implementation of the Erasmus+ programme and its promotion through funding of Léargas.
In 2026, the department allocated €850,132 to Léargas to support the implementation of EU youth programmes, including Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps.
This includes €137,843 to support increased finance support and outreach capacity within the Léargas youth team, in line with the commitment in Action 17 in Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024 – 2028 to enhance participation in the EU Youth Programmes. It is also anticipated that this additional funding will support Léargas’ increased activity in the youth field in preparation for and during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU Council this year.
