Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 November 2018
65. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which the educational system continues to meet the requirements of the market place with specific emphasis on the need to ensure a ready supply of graduates at all levels capable of meeting the modern demands of industry whether at academic or other levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49453/18]
View answerThe education and training system at all levels has a number of key strategies in place to ensure we meet existing and future skills demands in the workplace and equip young people with the skills to meet these demands to enhance the level of human capital in Ireland and provide a solid basis for long-term economic sustainability and rising living standards. These strategies include, in particular, the National Skills Strategy 2025 and the Action Plan for Education 2016-2019, .
According to an OECD 2017 Report, the employment prospects and expected financial benefits from completing tertiary education in Ireland are also higher than in most other European countries, suggesting that the education system provides skills that are relevant to the labour market.
In relation to graduate supply, in 2017 there were a total of 48,931 graduates from the Higher Education system. In relation to key skills areas, 2,765 were in relation to ICT, 5,729 in relation to Engineering Manufacturing and Construction and 4,200 in relation to Science and Maths.
A new ICT Skills Action Plan is in the process of development by my department in consultation with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, the National Skills Council and other key stakeholders. One of the objectives of the Plan is to increase graduate supply in this critical skills area.
I am satisfied that these and other important elements of skills planning being carried out by my Department in collaboration with key stakeholders, will help ensure that we are successful in meeting our skills needs on an ongoing basis to support the long-term success of our economy.
