Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 May 2022
121. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the proposals to introduce new courses in further education and training on a cross-Border basis in co-operation with colleges in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25381/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra167. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if measures under the PEACE PLUS Programme will assist in the strengthening of collaboration in further education and training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25380/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 167 together.
I am very committed to the development of stronger North-South links in 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 also believe that there is further potential for strengthened collaboration in FET, through the forthcoming PEACE PLUS programme. 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 PEACE PLUS programme has been approved by the EU Commission. The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is now progressing to a call for proposals stage, and the timeline for the process will be finalised in the coming weeks.
