Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

66. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to report on the work of his Department in encouraging SMEs to avail of further education and training for their staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13981/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department is committed to driving a skills ecosystem and skills agenda in Ireland which is agile and responsive to priority skills needs, to ensure Ireland has a skilled and productive workforce across businesses of all sizes and to encourage enterprises to avail of opportunities for their employees.

I am focused on working with the skills ecosystem, to ensure an adequate pipeline of skills to match business and enterprise needs and requirements in the workplace. The effectiveness and impact of the whole of the tertiary education system is enhanced when education and training provision, as well as broader upskilling and reskilling opportunities, are informed by the experience, insights and expertise of the enterprise sector. My department continues to engage with industry including through Skillnet Ireland, the National Skills Council and the Regional Skills Fora network.

I know that SMEs face particular challenges when it comes to availing of upskilling and reskilling opportunities, including around time and cost, and around the navigability of the skills ecosystem. I want to ensure that opportunities and pathways are visible and flexible. Providers work closely with enterprise to ensure that this is the case. Offerings such as Springboard+, Microcredentials and Microqualifications, and Skills to Advance all have this aim.

This year, my Department will work with Skillnet Ireland to roll out an SME Training Incentivisation Fund. This scheme will enable employers to mitigate many of the costs associated with upskilling their workforce.

In addition, initiatives across government, such as the Regional Skills Fora, and the National Enterprise Hub, aim to signpost SMEs to the supports they need.