Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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1031. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of management development training courses by Skillnet in each year for which data are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63607/22]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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Skillnet Ireland’s role is to advance the competitiveness, productivity and innovation of Irish businesses through enterprise-led workforce development.  Since its establishment in 1999, Skillnet Ireland has developed a specialised industry-led approach, engaging directly with companies and industry groups to inform and address talent needs.  Funded from the National Training Fund, Skillnet Ireland partners with 60 industry bodies and enterprise clusters, supporting over 22,500 businesses and 86,000 trainees annually through its 72 Skillnet Business Networks across most sectors and all regions in Ireland.  

Skillnet Ireland networks facilitated over 180 management development programmes in 2021, tailored and delivered in order to meet the needs of the given industries including construction, pharmaceuticals, technology, agri-food, retail, manufacturing and services. Over 4,100 learners participated in these programmes in 2021.  Examples of these programmes include the 12 week MentorsWork programme, jointly developed by Skillnet Ireland and the Small Firms Association which pairs small businesses with an experienced mentor to address specific needs of the individual business.  Another example is ‘Transform Your Business – For SME owner Managers’ which is operated by the Construction Professionals Skillnet.

Management Development is central to the Skillnet Ireland ‘Statement of Strategy 2021-2025’ and Skillnet Ireland are committed to intensifying the focus on upskilling and management development initiatives that drive growth and innovation in businesses in Ireland, particularly in SMEs.

Skillnet Business Networks deliver a wide range of upskilling programmes in specialist and professional areas which help managers enhance their skills, competencies, and knowledge.  During 2021, over 26,000 owner-managers and managers participated in programmes and initiatives supported by Skillnet Ireland.