Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2022
53. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views that the new places he has made available in higher education will be adequate to address the skills shortages right across the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36665/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has an advanced system of skills provision, across the spectrum of further and higher education and apprenticeship, lifelong learning and human capital development. This takes place within the framework of our National Skills Strategy and responds to challenges and opportunities for strengthening the skills profile of our workforce.
I requested that my officials engage with the higher education sector on the creation of additional places in key areas as identified by our skills architecture. On the 28th June I announced an additional 1,056 college places, which will be available from September 2022. These places are in areas including IT, architecture and construction, nursing, engineering, education and welfare.
Specific engagements with the Department of Health and relevant stakeholders are ongoing in relation to an increase in places in medicine. The Minister for Health and I will being a memo to government in the coming weeks outlining a five year plan to secure additional medicine places.
In considering options to address skills shortages, it is also important to consider the role played by apprenticeships. The expansion of third level this year will include additional apprenticeship programmes too. Over the next number of months, an additional 16 will commence. This will include Roofing and Cladding, Robotics, a degree programme in Advanced Cyber Security.
