Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
466. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he remains satisfied that science graduates in Ireland are on par with or above the skills emanating from third level institutions in other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7400/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra467. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the degree to which he expects science to play an increased role in the higher education sector with particular reference to ensuring an adequate number of graduates to meet the demands of the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7401/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra469. 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 the higher education opportunities for undergraduates with a view to maximisation of their opportunities in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7403/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 466, 467 and 469 together.
One of my goals as Minister is to ensure that potential learners have access to the educational pathways 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. It is therefore my objective to ensure that there is access into either further or higher education for each person who wishes to pursue educational options at third-level. Last summer I announced over 1,000 additional places in higher education programmes, included nursing, medicine and ICT degree programmes.
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) recently sought expressions of interest from higher education institutions interested in building additional capacity in Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, and Veterinary. Stage two of the review process by an expert panel is underway and I expect to receive a report of the proposals before the end of Q1 2023.
There are a number of key strategies in place at all levels to ensure we meet existing and future skills demands. These include policies designed to ensure a pipeline of suitably qualified science and technical graduates, and initiatives to equip young people and the working population more generally with the skills and capacity to meet these demands. Central to 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. Information on these trends is then used to formulate our skills strategies and initiatives such as the National Skills Strategy 2025; Technology Skills 2022; Springboard+ and the Human Capital Initiative.
There is an upward trend of students opting into science programmes, based on previous years' enrolments, the most recent data available from the HEA shows an increase of enrolments in the broad field of science, mathematics and ICT.
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.
