Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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185. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which she remains satisfied that the skills requirement of the workplace continues to be met by education; her further proposals in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45727/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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My Department has a number of strategies and initiatives in place to ensure that further education and training meets the skills requirements of the workplace. SOLAS with the assistance of relevant experts such as the ESRI, employers and local and national organisations have published a five year strategy for the further education and training sector which provides us with a strategic roadmap for this crucial element of the education and training system. The strategy includes a vision of a flexible, quality-driven, labour market-relevant, integrated and responsive sector that supports learner progression, transitions into employment and personal development.

In addition to the 5 year Strategy, SOLAS has published a first ever integrated Further Education and Training Services Plan for 2014 and it provides information on the range of further education and training funded by the Irish Government and it sets out in detail how the State's investment in 2014 will be used by SOLAS and the Education and Training Boards to meet the skills needs of learners and employers.