Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment to discuss the skills needed to support the economic recovery plan

The meeting will take place at 9:30 in Committee Room 1.

Chair of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs Tony Donohoe will address the meeting.

The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) is the independent body tasked with advising the Government on the current and future skills needs of the Irish economy

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Maurice Quinlivan said:

“The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs plays an important role in skills forecasting so tomorrow is a welcome opportunity to hear from the Group as we chart the path out of the pandemic.”

“The group has identified the major themes of Ireland’s economic recovery plan - structural shifts created by digital transformation and the de-carbonisation of Ireland’s economy; the need to enhance the performance of Ireland’s SME sector; the creation of an innovative knowledge economy; the expansion and diversification of Ireland’s international trade post-Brexit; and the need to address Ireland’s housing and infrastructural requirements.”

“A recent report by the group has identified the skills required to deliver on our Climate Action plan up until 2030. This will generate more demand for skills and roles in the areas of renewable energy, retrofitting, sustainable transport and the transition to a zero-carbon economy.”

“Separately, technology is disrupting traditional roles and careers with one on three jobs in Ireland at risk of being impacted by digitisation – those with lower levels of education are at particular risk of displacement so it is crucial they are equipped with the skills and training to mitigate against this.”

“The Committee looks forward to discussing these and other matters with the EGFSN tomorrow.”

The Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 1 can be viewed live on Oireachtas.ie.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.