Mr. Paul Sweetman:

Senator Imelda Henry asked if the ICC action plan had been valuable and about how it had been received. It has been incredibly important in a very direct sense to investment in Ireland. In the course of our work we often speak to board delegations from abroad about investments in Ireland and many boxes are ticked in terms of the facts and figures that can be ascertained about finances and taxes, etc. When it comes to the skills agenda, on which the ICC action plan focuses, that argument is a great deal more nuanced. People must use their gut to know whether they will be able to hire people with the right skills in Ireland. When we have made presentations to board companies, they have often been sceptical about the skills issue having heard much the same debate in other jurisdictions. Through our discussions, they have gone from being very sceptical to being envious of the work that is ongoing in Ireland. They are very impressed that industry and the Government are getting together to work on the key issues involved. The action plan is very important because the key actions are to be delivered. It also shows companies that people in Ireland are willing to work together to solve a major issue. That gives companies great comfort. I am happy to say all of the companies to which we spoke at board level about the skills issue have made major announcements on Irish jobs in the past 12 months. It has been incredibly valuable, therefore, at that high level.

The industry-academia collaboration was mentioned. A foresight group has been established within the ICC action plan. While there is still some work to do in that regard, the forum is available. The action plan is a living document and represents a very strong vehicle. As there will be several iterations of the plan, it might be worthwhile making the associate professional programme as the next action, as it would get wide industry support. The policy structure is already in place within the Department of Jobs, Innovation and Enterprise and the Department of Education of Skills. It is ideally suited to be located there.