Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 May 2012
19 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the kind of engagement SOLAS will have with industry in relation to the types of courses that are needed once it is set-up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25891/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the Government Decision to create SOLAS, an Implementation Group was set up to establish SOLAS. My Colleague, Minister of State, Ciaran Cannon is chairing this Group and its membership includes representatives from the Department of Education and Skills, FÁS, the Irish Vocational Education Association, the Department of Social Protection, the Department of the Taoiseach, and a representative of the private training sector. This is part of a wider reform programme that also includes the rationalisation of 33 VECS into 16 Education and Training Boards.
As part of its work, the Group already organised a public consultation process in which industry participated. Once SOLAS is established it will have strategic responsibility for training and further education. SOLAS will ensure that further education and training programmes are more flexible and responsive to meet the needs of jobseekers and industry. Accordingly, courses and their curricula will be constantly reviewed to ensure that they are aligned to the skills needs identified by SOLAS, the National Employment and Entitlements Service, the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, and through direct contact with employers.
