Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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30. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which she and her Department have identified the most sought after skills in the modern workplace, with reference to both indigenous and foreign direct investment; the degree to which it remains possible to meet such requirements now, and in the future; if any particular initiative is needed to address possible issues of skill shortages in particular areas; if upskilling, education or other alternatives are being considered in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12088/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The first National Employers Survey which was undertaken in 2012, by the HEA and IBEC showed that 75% of employers expressed confidence that graduates have the right workplace and transferable skills and the relevant knowledge in their subject and discipline. The second round of this survey was carried out in 2014 as a joint action by the HEA, QQI and SOLAS, results of the survey will be published shortly.

The HEA has recently published the first System Performance Report on how higher education performance will align with the broader national objectives of the Higher Education Strategy. While the report has noted that programmes and disciplines are well aligned to what the market needs, and there is good and improving graduate employment, it also recognises that there is a need for improved liaison between the HEIs and industry/enterprise. With this in mind, the HEA has developed an enterprise engagement strategy, which will aim to further improve liaison between HEIs and enterprise. The Department has also developed proposals for regional skills fora and is consulting with stakeholders in the context of the development of a new National Skills Strategy.

In addition, the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), which is funded by my Department advises the Irish Government on current and future skills needs of the economy. It has a central role in ensuring that labour market needs for skilled workers are anticipated and met. Its research provides an input to the development of course curricula and since 2011 has informed the focus of two new competitive funding models of higher education provision which address emerging skills needs and supports jobseekers into employment - Springboard and the ICT skills conversion programme.

All courses approved for funding under these initiatives are selected by an independent panel with industry and educational expertise having regard to guidance from the EGFSN on current and future skills needs of enterprise. Work placement is a key feature of both initiatives. A further round of Springboard+, which incorporates the ICT skills conversion programme, will be launched next month.