Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2021
69. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the specific proposals there are to intensify co-operation in 2022 in the further education sector on a cross-Border and an all-Ireland basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58647/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very committed to the development of stronger North-South links across the third level education and research sector, including in particular in relation to Further Education and Training and this continues to be a major focus for my Department under its Statement of Strategy.
There is good co-operation which currently exists between Education and Training Boards, and the Regional Colleges in Northern Ireland, of which my Department and the Department of the Economy in Northern Ireland are very supportive. The North West Strategic Growth Partnership is an example of this, where Donegal ETB and the North West Regional College in Northern Ireland ensure their programme complement, rather than compete with each other to ensure the FET needs of that region are addressed.
I also welcome the range of other activity in this area, including the important work which Aontas, the adult learning organisation, have been doing to support collaboration among community education practitioners in Northern Ireland.
I believe there is more potential for strengthened collaboration in FET, and the forthcoming PEACE PLUS programme will be provide a tremendous platform to develop such engagement.
This new programme will look to support area-based approaches, designed to address skills gaps, which will result in increased productivity and employment and higher levels of cross-border labour mobility.
The types of actions which would be in scope for funding on a cross-border basis include the provision of skills programmes in critical areas such as ICT, digital, green economy and entrepreneurship and delivery of programmes to support people in re-engaging with employment and upskilling. This is an area in which intensified co-operation on a cross-border basis in FET can make a major contribution to the achievement of shared objectives under PEACE PLUS.
The draft PEACE PLUS programme has been approved by the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive through the North-South Ministerial Council, and the Special EU Programmes Body is currently finalising its submission to the EU Commission for approval. It is likely that this stage will conclude in the first half of next year, with calls for proposals to be issued later in 2022. I will keep the House updated on developments.
