European Union Education Ministers have reached agreement on a new programme.

The Ministers met in Brussels and were chaired by the Education Minister Ruairí Quinn.

They group made conclusions on the 'Rethinking Education' report.

This means that preparations can begin to bring it on-stream for January next year.

Priorities for Irish Presidency

This is the first of 2 Education Council meetings under the Irish Presidency.

A number of education priorities have been outlined for the Presidency. These are:

• Regulation establishing "Erasmus for All"
• New Directive to amend Directive 2005/36 on the recognition of professional qualifications
• Regulation on the European Social Fund (ESF) and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF)
• Decision on the Strategic Innovation Agenda of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) & Regulation amending 2008 Regulation which established the EIT

Speaking in Brussels Minister Quinn says technology will also play a major role.