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Departmental Strategies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022

Tuesday, 26 April 2022

Questions (1194, 1195, 1203, 1204)

Pauline Tully

Question:

1194. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the review of Ireland's skills strategy, which is being undertaken by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, incorporates an examination of whether there is currently a sufficient number of places available in speech and language therapy at third level institutions here to service the annual HSE recruitment needs under the Progressing Disability Services model for both children and adults with a disability; if this review has commenced; the timeframe for its publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20218/22]

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Pauline Tully

Question:

1195. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the review of Ireland's skills strategy, which is being undertaken by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, incorporates an examination of whether there is currently a sufficient number of places available in audiology at third level institutions here to service the annual HSE recruitment needs under the Progressing Disability Services model for both children and adults with a disability; if this review has commenced; the timeframe for its publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20219/22]

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Pauline Tully

Question:

1203. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the review of Ireland's skills strategy, which is being undertaken by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, incorporates an examination of whether there is currently a sufficient number of places available in physiotherapy at third level institutions here to service the annual HSE recruitment needs under the Progressing Disability Services model for both children and adults with a disability; if this review has commenced; the timeframe for its publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20459/22]

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Pauline Tully

Question:

1204. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the review of Ireland's skills strategy, which is being undertaken by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, incorporates an examination of whether there is currently a sufficient number of places available in public health nursing at third level institutions here to service annual HSE recruitment needs under the Progressing Disability Services model for both children and adults with a disability; if this review has commenced; the timeframe for its publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20460/22]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1194, 1195, 1203 and 1204 together.

Ireland's overall approach to skills and training is outlined in the National Skills Strategy 2016 - 2025 (NSS) which is designed to benefit all people living in Ireland. It recognises that Skills policy is an area of enormous importance - informing how people in Ireland live, work, learn and thrive.  The development of skills and human capital is an integral part of the Government’s long-term plan for a sustainable and inclusive economy that serves the whole of its society including those with disabilities.

In order to ensure that the skills system continues to evolve and remains responsive and agile to the needs of all citizens, the National Economic Recovery Plan included a commitment to review Ireland’s skills strategies, architectures and approaches, including the  NSS. In November 2021, I launched the review of the skills strategy and architecture in the shape of an OECD Skills Strategy Project, which will roll out through 2022. The review is rooted in stakeholder engagement and will examine four priority areas:

1. Securing balance in skills through a responsive and diversified supply of skills;

2. Fostering greater participation in lifelong learning in and outside of the workplace;

3. Strengthening the governance across a joined up skills ecosystem; and

4. Leveraging skills to drive innovation and strengthen the performance of firms.

The OECD Skills Strategy Project will support a holistic examination of our Skills Strategy and architecture to ensure that Ireland is best equipped to meet current and future skills needs with the imperative that Irish workforce meets the societal demands of all, inclusive of those with disabilities.

My Department is strongly committed to supporting the health of the population through the provision of graduates with the key competencies and skills to be effective in the health workforce, and support a range of clinical teams in our health services.

My Department has been engaging with the Department of Health on the number of places available in areas where the HSE has identified significant skills shortages. The areas identified include, but are not limited it, places in health disciplines such as medicine, nursing, health and social care professionals such as Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language therapists, Psychologists, Physiotherapists, Social Workers, Medical Scientists and Dieticians.

In the short term, my officials are actively engaging with the Higher Education Authority and representatives from the higher education sector on the provision of additional places for the coming academic year, with a focus on areas such as healthcare where there is a need for more skilled graduates. However, there are real, material limits on the immediate increases that can be accommodated on highly practical courses such as healthcare courses which involve clinical placements.

In the longer term, the Programme for Government commits the Department of Health to working with the education sectors, regulators, and professional bodies to improve the availability of health professionals and reform their training to support integrated care across the entire health service. I will ensure that there is continued engagement with all stakeholders to ensure that we deliver graduates with the skills necessary to support our healthcare system and support the strategic workforce planning by the health sector.

Question No. 1195 answered with Question No. 1194.
Question No. 1196 answered with Question No. 1190.
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