19 Samh 2012, 15:37
The skills mismatch between industry requirements and the courses provided by the third level sector, particularly ICT, foreign languages and food production/technology, will be discussed at the meeting of the Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation tomorrow, Tuesday, 20th November 2012.
Among the groups attending the meeting are: the Higher Education Authority (HEA); Irish Universities Association (IUA); Institutes of Technology Ireland (IOTI); and Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT).
Chairman of the Committee Deputy Damien English said: “Some sectors of the economy, particularly in Information Communications Technology, have said that they are having problems filling certain positions and are finding it difficult to hire suitably qualified people despite the economic downturn and high unemployment.
Some industries have highlighted what they say is a mismatch between what industry wants and what the education system is producing. Tomorrow, we will have an opportunity to discuss this very important issue when we meet with representatives from the HEA; the IUA; the IOTI; and DIT. Committee members will have a chance to consider the need to ensure there is a better skills match between industry needs and third level graduates.”
This meeting will take place on Tuesday, 20th November 2012, in Committee Room 2, Leinster House 2000 at 1.30pm.
Committee proceedings can be followed live at:
http://www.oireachtas.ie/ViewDoc.asp?fn=/documents/livewebcast/Web-Live.htm&CatID=83&m=o
For further information please contact:
Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551
Committee Membership
Deputies: Dara Calleary, Áine Collins, Michael Conaghan, Damien English (Chair), John Halligan, Seán Kyne, Anthony Lawlor, John Lyons (Vice-Chair) and Peadar Tóibín.
Senators: Deirdre Clune, David Cullinane, John Kelly, Michael Mullins, Feargal Quinn and Mary White