Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1121. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education if the Government plans to promote courses in occupational therapy, psychology and speech therapy through career guidance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41080/22]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that Guidance Counsellors in schools do not promote one path over another but encourage students to explore all suitable options.
I recently established a National Policy Group for Lifelong Guidance who have been charged with the development of a coherent long term strategic framework for lifelong guidance as recommended in the Indecon review of Career Guidance Tools and Information. The Policy Group comprises the Department of Education, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and their work is progressing.
My colleagues in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) note that the provision of clear, coherent information and guidance, on education, training, employment and careers opportunities, is an essential element of Ireland’s skills and human capital development approach.
It ensures that individuals can access opportunities for advancement, in the way that suits them best, reach their full potential, engage in life-long and life-wide learning, and, critically, it ensures that Ireland has a robust and sustainable economy and society that encompasses everyone.
Changing patterns of work, in an ever more globalized economy and digitalised world, demands that people upskill, reskill and learn throughout life for different careers and jobs.
Owing to the above referenced pace and scale of changes in the world of work globally and in Ireland, individuals today take on heightened responsibility for managing their own career and career opportunities. The challenge and focus for DFHERIS is to ensure this is supported adequately, via communicating the importance of, and opportunities to engage in, lifelong learning, and broadening career management skills and skill development.
Significant progress has been made by DFHERIS and partners in showcasing opportunities on careers and skills such as the following:
- The Right Course one-stop shop on training, upskilling and reskilling opportunities., launched in 2020; and
- SmartChoices interactive platform to inform further education and apprenticeship options and career choices launched in 2021.
