Mr. Seán Ó Foghlú:

The purpose of the skills development programme is to provide opportunities for upskilling and reskilling to meet the needs of individuals and the labour market in line with the overall targets of the national skills strategy. The strategy highlights the fact that in the future upskilling or reskilling will be required in respect of virtually all occupations and sets ambitious targets in that regard. Funding under the skills development programme has been made available to cover administration costs relating to SOLAS, as well as training grants and supports and costs associated with the operation of the ESF.