John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I spoke last week on the junior cycle reform and I appreciate the concept of what is happening there. It is a long-term project, as the Minister pointed out but, given the sense of urgency, what are we doing about it right now? I am conscious that a lot is being done but I want to make one plug for FIT, the fast track to IT training programme, which does not always get the credit it deserves. Senator Clune mentioned the work of FIT in her report on ICT skills. It is about upskilling people from a wide range of backgrounds and not just those who have a third level degree and need a conversion course. FIT's track record speaks for itself. I checked its website and found that the European Commission recently cited FIT as one of the most effective employability initiatives in Europe. FIT has a strong collaboration with the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Social Protection. If everybody else is talking about it, as we are, can we look at doing more of that if at all possible? The elephant in the room is money but this industry-led, not-for-profit company has all the businesses represented on its board. FIT has its finger on the pulse of what industry needs and can upskill people to create jobs for existing vacancies. We need a lot more of that. FIT has a strong and proven track record in this regard. We must do as much as we can to continue the work of FIT and other such bodies.