Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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525. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the plans that exist to introduce a media campaign to attract young people to the construction sector similar to that undertaken for the tourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8643/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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While there is no immediate plan for a similar campaign to that undertaken for the tourism sector, the Department continues to work with partners to plan international recruitment campaigns aimed at the Irish diaspora and skilled construction workers in the European Union and third countries.

In late 2022, a social media campaign was run in Australia. This was aimed at encouraging Irish construction workers home, highlighting the opportunities available here. An in-person recruitment event took place in the UK. Plans are being finalised to hold further online and in-person recruitment events and campaigns in 2023.

In support of these measures, a one-stop-shop webpage and virtual repository of information on living in Ireland and working in construction is available at: to help international workers assess opportunities for living and working in construction in Ireland.

Nationally, the Department is currently commissioning research exploring the barriers to careers in construction and from that research will develop an evidence informed action plan by Q2.

There is much work on national recruitment measures, including through the FutureBuilding initiative with a Construction Work & Skills Week planned for May 2023.

Finally, we wish to note that officials in my Department are having discussions with SOLAS and Department of Social Protection colleagues regarding construction skills communications plans for the coming year.