Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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66. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the training and further education supports that will be put in place as part of the July stimulus to help jobseekers to upskill and reskill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18799/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Covid-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate effect on younger workers and those in lower paid occupations with lower level of educational qualifications. The pace of workplace change has also accelerated; digital skills are essential in almost all occupations; product and service innovation means that workers need to be flexible and adaptable; and the delivery of safe workplaces demands an educated and informed workforce.

A “once and done” approach to education and training is no longer enough.  Upskilling, reskilling and refreshing of skills need to be supported throughout working lives.The package of funding for higher and further education and training to address this situation amounts to €100 million and will fund over 35,000 places in the current year. 

These will be delivered through a variety of measures including:

-Skills to Compete Initiative (SOLAS), which will be delivered by the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) through providing courses to develop the skills of people who are unemployed and seeking work.  Most participants will be referred to a suitable course by one of the Department of Social Protection’s INTREO offices following an engagement on skills, experience and areas of interest. 

-A Skillnet Ireland Covid-19 Employment Activation Scheme, involving an outreach/ recruitment campaign, a career advisory element, a conversion course / upskilling programme and a mandatory placement with a host employer. Skillnet Ireland will also provide additional supports for SMEs as part of the package. 

-The Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme will provide an initial €2,000 payment to support employers to take on new apprenticeships in 2020, followed by a further €1,000 payment after the first year's employment to support retention.

-Additional places on Springboard+ and the Human Capital Initiative, as well as additional undergraduate and postgraduate provision in the Higher Educational Institutions.