Ms Tracey Donnery:

Diversity and inclusion has always been a key priority for Skillnet Ireland both internally and across all of our networks. We have supported many people who are already employed in the workforce with further and specialist upskilling. One of the key things we are doing is working with developing managers and management expertise in diversity and inclusion. One example I would give would be in our BioPharmaChem Skillnet, which did a recent report and which is on our website. It looked at diversity, and in particular at neurodiversity, and at ways within that sector in which it can broaden the diversity of employees and provide the right supports to them in upskilling, learning development and support.

Another network, the name does not immediately come to mind, did something similar. Following on from that, we have built out programmes. While I do not have figures to hand, I know there are many people with disabilities who have undertaken Skillnet programmes and much work is under way in ensuring that the SME management development we would do in large and small companies includes that.

Working together, as we discussed outside of the committee room, would certainly be helpful. The European Social Fund, ESF+ programme, which has a greater focus on social inclusion, will increase that in the coming years.

One more thing we have is our Positive2Work Skillnet programme, which is a Skillnet dedicated to diversity, inclusion and over the years has done some great work.