Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 February 2021
163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he expects to promote innovation in the third level educational sector with a view to creating the highest possible standard sufficient to meet international challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6274/21]
View answer164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which his Department continues to see innovation as a key element in the development of the third level education sector here to the best international standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6275/21]
View answer166. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he and his Department continue to encourage research in education with a view to a beneficial knock-on to industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6277/21]
View answer167. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which the second and third level education sectors continue to be geared towards research with a view to ensuring maximum competence in this area in a highly competitive global workforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6278/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 163, 164, 166 and 167 together.
From pre-primary through to further and higher education and throughout an individual’s career, skills and knowledge need to be continuously enhanced if individuals, employers and countries are to realise their potential. The expansion of higher education has been a key enabling factor in the growth of the Irish economy over the past four decades. The availability and quality of graduates is essential if we are to maintain our attractiveness as a location for investment and grow our reputation. Equally, increased participation in higher education has resulted in significant contributions to society and has played a critical role in enriching our cultural life.
There are a number of key strategies in place at all levels to ensure we meet existing and future skills demands. These include policies designed to ensure a pipeline of suitably qualified science and technical graduates, and initiatives to equip young people and the working population more generally with the skills and capacity to meet these demands. These strategies and initiatives include: the National Skills Strategy 2025; Technology Skills 2022; Springboard+; the Human Capital Initiative and the July Stimulus package.
A key element of Future Jobs Ireland is to support business, invest in the development of people and to enhance skills and develop and attract talent to ensure our education and training system is responsive to enterprise needs. We must ensure that we have accessible upskilling options and that our education and training providers offer relevant and up-to-date courses which meet the needs of enterprises and workers.
Higher Education institutions are constantly reviewing and updating their course curriculum to ensure that undergraduate and taught postgraduate course content is reflecting emerging trends in the future world of work and Industry.
I and my department are determined to be the driver of a vibrant sector which produces individuals who are equipped with the skills that they need to progress in the way that they want to, and in a way that meets the needs of our evolving economy and contributes to an inclusive society.
The higher and further education sectors are critical sources of knowledge creation, innovation, skills and human capital development and critical to our ability to deal with current and future crises is ensuring we have a pipeline of talent coming through our higher education system that is fully equipped to make a valuable contribution to our economy and society.
