Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2021
287. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he sees the demand for innovation extending in the future in the field of job opportunities; if he remains satisfied regarding the ability of the higher education system to meet the challenges in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37124/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe further and higher education sectors have a number of key strategies and policies in place at all levels to ensure that the educational opportunities being offered align with existing and future skills demands, including the requirement for innovation skills.
The identification of skills priorities to help inform and shape planning for graduate output from higher and further education, including in relation to apprenticeships, is guided by the National Skills Strategy. The Strategy provided for the establishment of the skills architecture that we have today, the National Skills Council and the nine Regional Skills Fora. Underpinning both the skills agenda and architecture are the skills forecasting and intelligence systems, made up of the contribution of a number of public bodies including, at present, the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit in Solas and the statistical analysis and assessment carried out by the HEA. The detailed research and analyses carried out by these bodies feed into the work of the Skills Council in defining the priorities and delivering responses in the area of skills needs.
In the Higher Education sector, the Human Capital Initiative is an innovative approach to the provision of additional capacity across the system to meet priority skills needs for enterprise. The Initiative forms a key part of the strategic response to a changing world of work and the challenges the economy will face in the period ahead. With a strong focus on innovation and agility, the programmes and projects being supported will ensure that graduates and the education system as a whole, are in a position to respond positively to the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Pillar 3 of the HCI is an innovation and agility fund that commands a total budget of €197 million over a five-year period. Projects funded under the initiative include the development of transversal skills, use of virtual laboratories in higher education, a new hub to upskill the building sector on green construction, and a project which aims to deliver enhanced entrepreneurial learning ecosystems.
