Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 May 2018
129. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her Department carried out a sectorial analysis of skills shortages in the economy for the next five, ten, 15 and 20 year period; and the enterprise strategies in place to adapt policy to address these skills shortages. [19544/18]
View answerMy Department provides research and secretariat support to the Expert Group for Future Skills Needs (EGFSN). The EGFSN plays a key role in identifying current and future skills needs of enterprises and advising the government on these needs. The EGFSN carries out research, analysis and horizon scanning in relation to emerging skills requirements at both thematic and sectorial levels. The reports draw on statistical input and analysis from the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit in Solas and consultation with education and enterprise experts as part of their studies.
Over the last 20 years, the EGFSN has undertaken analysis and forecasting of skills availability in a range of sectors. In the last number of years these studies have included sectors as diverse as the Marine/Maritime economy; freight, transport, logistics and distribution; biopharma and the hospitality sectors. These reports include a horizon scanning exercise and generate forecasts for skills demand in the given sectors. The timeline of these reports is typically over a 5 year period to ensure accuracy in forecasting demands. The EGFSN has the opportunity to commence a follow up study if it is required.
Current government and enterprise strategies also have a strong skills focus and in many cases, reflect the findings and recommendations of EGFSN reports. My Department works in collaboration with the Department of Education and Skills to ensure that the education system is producing the right talent pool to ensure the success of enterprise in Ireland. The National Skills Strategy reflects this goal as it aims to ensure the quality of our workforce. My Department's enterprise strategies, such as the Action Plan for Jobs and Enterprise 2025 Renewed, also have dedicated focus aimed at addressing the skills needs of enterprise. Actions in these strategies include but not limited to, the roll-out of the Skills for Growth Programme, developing training initiatives to develop in-company capability and the aim to address the need for new skills post-Brexit in the areas of customs, logistics and risk management.
Through the work of the EGFSN, ongoing engagement with the Department of Education and Skills, and monitoring and implementation our robust enterprise policies my Department will continue to monitor skills demands and address any potential skills needs as appropriate.
