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Third Level Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2021

Tuesday, 30 November 2021

Ceisteanna (457, 460, 464)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

457. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he and his Department propose to broaden further the higher education opportunities for undergraduates here with a view to maximisation of their opportunities in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59056/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

460. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which additional provision is being made to expand third and fourth level education with particular reference to the ongoing requirements of the jobs market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59059/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

464. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he is satisfied that there is an adequate number of places for students wishing to pursue courses of an academic or technical nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59063/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 457, 460 and 464 together.

It's a key objective of my Department that all students and learners are provided with the opportunities to acquire and develop the skills that allow them reach their potential in a way that meets the very broad and rapidly changing needs of our labour force, the economy and society. My objective is, therefore, to ensure that there is access into either further or higher education for each person who wishes to pursue educational options at third-level.

Our higher education system has expanded significantly over the past number of years, from 209,300 enrolments in 2014 to 245,700 enrolments in 2020. Projections of enrolment at third level predict that full-time student enrolments will rise a further 13% over the next decade, and work is ongoing to build capacity within the system to accommodate this increase.

While fully recognising the critical role of the higher education system, we are also working to strengthen the further education and training system under a new strategy for that sector. This will help ensure that our tertiary education system as a whole equips our students with the knowledge, skills and expertise required to secure good quality, well paid and sustainable employment.

There are a number of key strategies in place at all levels to ensure that our educational provision in the tertiary sector meets the existing and future skills demands of the fast-evolving jobs market. Central shaping these strategies is the partnership approach between the Further and Higher Education system and Government, Industry, the National Skills Council, the National Training Fund Advisory Group, the Regional Skills Fora and the Apprenticeship Council.

The National Skills Council (NSC) within its remit advises on the prioritisation of identified skills needs and on how to secure delivery of these needs. Key high level trends identified at recent NSC meetings include automation and digitisation, digital literacy and transversal skills.

The recommendations of the NSC and the other bodies engaged in our skills planning system shape the policies designed to ensure a pipeline of suitably qualified graduates, and the initiatives to equip young people and the working population more generally with the skills and capacity to meet these demands. These strategies and initiatives include: the National Skills Strategy 2025; Technology Skills 2022; Springboard+ and the Human Capital Initiative.

My Department will continue to advance efforts to ensure that Ireland offers learning opportunities to all who wish to pursue then, and produces the graduates the workforce needs with the skills that our economy and society require.

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