Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

112. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the level of cross-Departmental engagement that his Department is engaged in, particularly in respect of the critical skills occupation list, within the context of the OECD skills review that his Department has commissioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59616/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Ireland/OECD Skills Strategy Project is taking place across four phases, scoping, assessment, recommendations and publication. The project is examining four key areas - governance of the skills ecosystem, lifelong learning, innovation, and balance in the type of skills needed. We are now in the recommendations phase with a final report expected in March 2023.

My Department leads the project working across Government via a Cross-Departmental Project Team and through the primary skills infrastructures, the National Skills Council and nine Regional Skills Fora rooted in collaborative and extensive engagement with all stakeholders in the skills ecosystem, including across government. Early indicative findings highlight the impetus for digital, green and workforce ready skills for the world of work and need for strengthened workforce development.

The attraction of international talent including via the Employment Permits System administered by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, is an important element in addressing the skills needs of the economy, when short term skills needs cannot be met by the education and training system. As part of the administration of the Employment Permit System, eligibility of roles for permits, including the Critical Skills Employment Permit, is guided by consideration of skills needs of the economy. The Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment have also been closely involved in all phases of the OECD Skills Strategy project including via membership on the Cross-Departmental Project Team and National Skills Council.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

113. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when it is proposed to publish a new further education strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59814/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Section 9 of the Further Education and Training Act 2013 requires SOLAS to submit a further education and training strategy every 5 years to the Minister for approval. The first FET Strategy covered the period 2014-19.

The current FET Strategy Future FET, Transforming Learningcovers the period 2020-2024 and includes three core three core pillars of building skills, fostering inclusion, and creating pathways to deliver a more strategic and integrated FET system. SOLAS has Strategic Performance Agreements (SPAs) with the 16 Education and Training Boards to provide for the reform and realisation of the ambition in the FET Strategy at regional level. The current SPAs covering 2022-2024, will conclude at the same time as the Strategy.

In line with the legislative requirement, the next strategy will cover the 5 years from 2025-2029.