Mr. Peter Davitt:

We could probably take steps to enhance our analysis in terms of the skills agenda. A grander analysis similar to the framework we put together for the skills audit could be used for other sectors of the economy, such as pharma, medical devices, hospitality and culinary skills. We need a deeper understanding of these sectors, and the best way to get this understanding is through direct dialogue with companies. I acknowledge the huge investment made by companies in terms of the skills audit. I spend a significant amount of time going in and out of companies. Companies are busy doing their day jobs and growing their business. The one occasion on which I found it difficult to engage with companies was when we discussed the needs of industry and how they could be better facilitated through provision. There is a need for more proactive or dynamic initiatives for dialogue and responding to the needs of industry across different sectors. We also need more effective dialogue between the continuum of what is provided in further education and higher education. We need to break down the polarity that exists because there is not enough dialogue between the two sectors.

The education and training boards, ETBs, are major providers of ICT programmes. The associated profession will be run in collaboration with the ETBs. The first 200 are pilot places but we are confident it will grow quite significantly thereafter once we have demonstrated the potential impact on industry and learners. No course will commence in the absence of industry sponsorship. The commitment we have behind us is that every programme which commences will have companies sponsoring each individual on the programme from the outset.