Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2019
203. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which he remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of skills available throughout the education system to meet workplace requirements; if a need for improvement in this regard has been examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2962/19]
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. Of this number, a significant proportion were in key skills areas, 2,765 were in ICT, 5,729 in Engineering Manufacturing and Construction and 4,200 in Science and Maths.
A new ICT Skills Action Plan has been developed by my Department in consultation with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, the National Skills Council and other key stakeholders. A central objective of the Plan is to increase graduate supply in this critical skills area.
I am satisfied that these and other important elements of my Departments strategies, developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, will help ensure that we are well prepared to meet our skills needs on an ongoing basis and to support the long-term success of our economy.
