Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2020
633. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of the outcomes of on-site skills audits in Blackwater and Mount Dillon bogs which were conducted to assist his Department in informing the development of bespoke training courses for destination employment sectors in the midlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37886/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my department have contacted both Laois Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) and Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) in relation this matter.
In response to the first round of the Bord Na Mona Voluntary Redundancy Programme in early 2019, LOETB and LWETB, in collaboration with Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board and relevant stakeholders, organised a series of full day information events aimed at individuals who had been accepted for or were planning to avail of the redundancy programme. These events took place in the Bord Na Mona works in Blackwater and Mount Dillon in November 2019 and included an on-site skills audit. Confidentiality was assured throughout this process and follow up guidance appointments were offered to all individuals who took part.
The participation figures for both sites were as follows:
- Mount Dillon: Nov 11th, 12th & 13th 2019 - 66 people
- Blackwater: Nov 18th, 19th & 20th 2019 – 74 people
Details of participation on courses and other interventions in LWETB and LOETB, the planning of which was informed by the skills audits, are available at the following link.
A further series of on-site skills audits are planned to take place in early 2021.
