Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It does, indeed. The programme runs according to a European year, so it has just kicked off and does not run just for the calendar year. Therefore, we have a little longer than it might seem. "Yes" is the short answer. We now have a website in place but are also kicking off the public awareness campaign on skills and encouraging all people to adopt a skill. We are examining the idea of holding some form of skills summit at which we can really explore some of the work of the OECD skills review, which is really valuable. I am examining several legislative and policy initiatives on skills, some centred on the national training fund conversation we are having and some on the role of the National Skills Council. I thank the members of the council for the work they do in the context of the OECD skills review. Members can expect from us this year an opportunity to encourage the people of this country to get involved with the skills agenda and have a conversation about the National Skills Council and skills infrastructure and how these fit in with the implementation of the OECD skills review. There will be a skills summit also. We will be very actively involved. We had a good debate in the Dáil recently on the European Year of Skills 2023.