Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We will forward information to the Deputy after this meeting. He asked about skills. I have spoken to people in the regional skills fora, including regional skills managers. There is also the National Skills Council, which is the umbrella group that sits above them. All of that is guided by the national skills strategy that runs from 2016 to 2025. As part of that, which is what we would describe as the broader skills ecosystem, we have the skills and labour market research unit, which is hosted within SOLAS. We also have the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, which is hosted by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. In addition, my Department hosts the national training fund advisory group. There are many moving parts in the skills area, which help to inform us as to the deficits and needs within the labour market.

Approximately 35,000 learners will be able to avail of green skills modules next year. Throughout the country and the further and higher education providers, there will be provision for up to 35,000 places for people to access courses on green skills. We have also provided 2,650 course places on retrofitting and the NZEB expansion. I will get the Deputy further details on that.