Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 July 2022
624. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of any engagements that have taken place in relation to workforce planning between his Department and the regional skills framework, other stakeholders and other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39184/22]
View answerIreland has a highly developed national skills system across further and higher education and apprenticeship, lifelong learning and human capital development, under the framework of the National Skills Strategy, and underpinned by strong partnership with key stakeholders. It is firmly focused on responding in an agile and flexible way to priority skill needs, and to changes in the world of work driven by technology, to ensure Ireland has a skilled and productive workforce.
The National Skills Council and Regional Skills Fora operating under the National Skills Strategy, foster engagement, dialogue, and collaboration between relevant Government Departments and agencies, the education and training system, the enterprise agencies, and enterprise representatives in relation to skills priorities.
The skills ecosystem also encompasses the labour market information entities including the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit in SOLAS and the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. This skills infrastructure informs and drives responsive and flexible forecasting, planning, and provision to meet skills requirements across all sectors of the economy. It has an important role to play in identifying skills provision shortfalls to be addressed by the education and training system and concerns relating to labour shortages in particular sectors that relate to other factors.
Through 2022, Ireland, in partnership with the OECD, is reviewing Ireland’s skills strategies, policies and approaches. This will be central to our economic and social sustainability against the backdrop of major trends impacting on the workforce and society including digitalisation and climate transition. The work of the OECD is firmly grounded in extensive stakeholder consultation, including specific engagements focused on the needs of regional enterprises and SMEs.
