Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 September 2023
92. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the latest measures he is deploying to meet the skills shortages that Ireland faces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40335/23]
View answerThe tertiary education system plays a central role in ensuring that our graduates from higher education, further education and training and from apprenticeship are equipped with the cognitive skills, the essential transversal skills, and the vocational and professional skills and competencies which will equip them for success in work and society.
Against the backdrop of the accelerating and intensifying digital and green transitions, it is essential that our skills ecosystem has the agility and flexibility to adapt to changing priorities in the skills and workforce development landscape. In this context, one of the key themes of the OECD Review of Ireland's National Skills Strategy published last May was the need to secure a balance in skills through a responsive, diversified supply of skills in Ireland.The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and SOLAS's Skills and Labour Market Research Unit have a key role in assessing and forecasting for the skills and talent needs in our economy. Their analysis, for example in relation to Green Skills, Digital transition etc. is central to informing responsive planning across the tertiary system, and flexible responses to changes in the employment environment, This is underscored by responsiveness to priority industry needs under key policy initiatives such as the Action Plan for Apprenticeship, Green Skills for FET Roadmap, National Digital Strategy, Harnessing Digital, the Human Capital Initiative and Springboard +, the establishment of the National Tertiary Office, and our work to deliver more flexible learning options for example through the microcredentials project. All of this work is carried out in partnership with enterprise and is informed by the workforce development agenda led by Skillnet Ireland.
The comprehensive roadmap provided by the OECD Review provides a strong basis for ensuring that we get skills policies right, ensuring societal well-being and sustainable growth in Ireland for the future.
