Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 December 2022
106. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the new further education strategy will provide for increased and enhanced cross-border co-operation and collaboration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59815/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current Further Education Strategy - Future FET: Transforming Learning - maps the immediate future of further education to 2024. This strategy is very much about positioning and building the capacity of further education institutions for the future, and beyond 2024. Within this strategy, the three key pillars are building skills, fostering inclusion and creating pathways. These pillars have the potential to lead to increased and enhanced cross-border co-operation and collaboration. More specific ambitions are contained within the Strategic Performance Agreements between SOLAS and the ETBs for the period of 2022-2024 and the relevant aspects in national policy, such as the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025.
Opportunities and proposed actions included enhanced pathways from further education and training in Ireland to either further education or higher education progression in Northern Ireland (particularly in border counties),
collaboration on an all-island basis, both through the PEACE PLUS initiative as well as the development of the Shared Island agenda, and,
exploration of the potential for an all-of-island apprenticeship.
Initial discussions on a possible shared apprenticeship and appropriate approach for same have commenced and will continue into the first half of next year.
My officials are currently working with their counterparts in the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland on the development of a framework under the forthcoming PEACE PLUS programme. Subject to the conclusion of a Financing Agreement between the EU and UK, it is anticipated that calls for Proposals will issue in Q1, 2023.
In addition to PEACE PLUS, my officials are finalising an International Education, Research and Innovation Strategy. The strengthening of relationships on a North-South and East-West basis will feature strongly in this strategy. I hope to publish this in the next few weeks.
