Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 March 2024
334. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress to date in intensifying co-operation on a cross-Border and all-Ireland basis in further education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13485/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, I am committed to the development of deep and meaningful North-South collaborations across the tertiary education system.
For example, I was delighted that an all-island Accounting Technologist Apprenticeship Programme was validated for delivery in Northern Ireland in 2023 and the National Apprenticeship Office is supporting development of the programme in Ireland by an all-island Industry Consortium Steering Group.
Furthermore, I am excited about the opportunities for cross-border collaboration under the EU PEACEPLUS programme. The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) has recently issued a call for proposals to address skills development, and this will provide further opportunity to strengthen collaboration. The results of the process will be available later this year, and I am confident that education and training providers will respond positively to this call.
