Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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115. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if a sectorial analysis has been carried out of skills shortages in the economy for the next 5, 10, 15 and 20 year period; the impact skills shortages are having on competitiveness levels here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46372/18]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Access to a high quality, innovative and adaptable talent pool is critical for the sustainable growth of the Irish economy and keeping Ireland competitive. As a result, equipping the workforce with the skills required for the jobs of today and for those of tomorrow is a strategic priority for the Government. Meeting the growing skills needs of industry through investment in education and training is central to our continued economic success.

While skills policy is primarily a matter for the Department of Education and Skills, my Department supports the work of the Expert Group for Future Skills Needs (EGFSN). The EGFSN is an independent body, comprised of business representatives, education providers, trade unions and Government bodies. The EGFSN plays a key role in identifying future skills needs of enterprises and advising Government on those needs to enhance Irish competitiveness.

Over the last 21 years, the EGFSN has assessed skills availability across a wide range of sectors. In recent years, these studies have included sectors such as the marine economy; freight, transport, logistics and distribution; biopharma and hospitality. These reports include a horizon scanning exercise and the development of skills demand forecasts over a five year period, so as to ensure accuracy in forecasting demand.

A relevant example of this is the work undertaken on ICT skills demand forecasts this year. In 2013 the EGFSN published the study Addressing Future Demand for High-Level ICT Skills. This study included a demand forecast for ICT skills over the period 2013-2018. The findings and recommendations of this report were essential inputs into the development of the ICT Skills Action Plan 2014-2018. This year the EGFSN has engaged in a refresh of the demand forecast exercise undertaken in 2013 for the period 2017-2022. This analysis will inform the upcoming ICT Skills Action Plan.

Other EGFSN work undertaken in 2018 includes studies and forecasts on skills needs arising from Brexit (including forecasts for the Freight Transport, Distribution and Logistics industry) and the impact of digitalisation on Ireland's workforce over the period to 2023.

In addition to these analyses of skills needs, my Department provides works permits for those key skills which are in short supply through the employment permits system. This system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA migrants to fill skills shortages. The objective is balanced by the need to ensure that there are no suitably qualified Irish/EEA nationals available to undertake the work and the shortage is a genuine one. The employment permits system is managed by the operation of the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List and the Ineligible Categories List. The rationale underpinning the inclusion or omission from the occupation lists is informed by EGFSN and the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU) in Solas and is augmented by a consultation process that includes calls for submissions. This process is regularly reviewed to ensure that it is operating efficiently.

Through the work of the EGFSN, the employment permits system, ongoing interaction on these issues with the Department of Education and Skills and participation in the work of the National Skills Council and the Regional Skills Fora, my Department aims to ensure that the competitiveness implications of skills shortages are fully addressed.