Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 January 2014
152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which his Department continues to interact with industry with a view to ensuring that the educational sector remains adequately focused to ensure that pupils and students emerging from primary, second and third level education are adequately equipped to meet the challenges at every level in the modern workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2314/14]
View answer271. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which his Department continues to liaise with the business sector with a view to ensuring that the educational system adequately meets the requirements of the workplace with particular reference to the development of the specific skills currently required and likely to be required in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2912/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 271 together.
The Enterprise Engagement Forum, which is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department, provides for bi-annual dialogue between the Department and enterprise on education policy issues. Input from enterprise is also provided for through representation on boards and agencies across the education and training sector. The development and delivery of targeted skills initiatives such as the ICT Skills Action Plan and Springboard involve close interaction with enterprise. In addition, the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, which is funded by my Department, plays a pivotal role in advising on the skills needs of enterprise and its research and reports inform programme development by education and training providers. Meeting the requirements of industry is a high priority for the education system and a wide ranging programme of reform is currently being rolled out across all levels of the system to ensure the continued development of skills appropriate to enterprise, particularly through the implementation of the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy and the reform of the Junior Cycle. One of the core objectives under the new Performance Framework for the higher education system is meeting Ireland's human capital needs across the spectrum of skills areas through both core funding and specifically targeted initiatives. The creation of the new further education and training authority, SOLAS, will also ensure an increased focus on the evolving skills requirements of industry.
