Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021
534. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the costs associated with maintaining the National Training Fund advisory group; if the expenditure is taken from the Exchequer or the National Training Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37983/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Training Fund Advisory Group was formed following the recommendations from Indecon, which recognised that engagement with employers is key to ensuring provision is aligned with developing skills needs. This advisory group is a permanent resourced structure to optimise enterprise engagement on NTF priorities. The group consists of key stakeholders from the following employer representatives, agencies and Government Departments:
- ISME
- IBEC
- Chambers Ireland
- Construction Industry Federation
- Irish Exporters Association
- Irish Hotels Federation
- American Chamber Of Commerce Ireland
- SOLAS
- Skillnet Ireland
- The Wheel
- Higher Education Authority
- Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation
- Department of Social Protection
- Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
In 2020, expenditure of the group amounted to €3,000 in respect of the following:
1. Appointment of a facilitator for a workshop to progress the new stategic direction and investment priorities for the fund and to furnish a report.
2. A report was procured to explore the role of the NTF in the post Covid-19 economic recovery.
These expenses was met from the NTF allocation for the Skills Research Programme. The group has not accrued any expenditure in 2021 to date.
