Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
206. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps his Department is taking to ensure that the link between industry and the education and training sector is supported in order to facilitate the workforce in adapting to the changing needs of the economy. [67600/25]
View answerMy Department is committed to meeting the skills needs of enterprise by strengthening collaboration between the education and training sector and industry. Understanding workforce needs enables education providers to remain agile and innovative, while employers benefit from a pipeline of talent equipped with cutting-edge skills. This alignment fosters productivity, competitiveness, and resilience in a fast-changing economy.
I have advanced this agenda through strategic engagement with enterprise agencies, representative bodies, and businesses, and through partnership platforms such as the National Skills Council and Regional Skills Fora. These ensure policy and provision are guided by real-time intelligence from industry.
The apprenticeship system is an excellent example of employers and education and training providers working in tandem. Apprenticeship is qualification through direct employment, with new programmes developed through consortia of employers and providers, and over 70 programmes now available.
In quarter 1 2026, we will have a new AI Skilling Platform – a transformative initiative to support people upskilling and future-proof Ireland’s workforce for an AI driven economy.
The initiative will prioritise AI literacy and applied digital capability. By bringing together the best content from public and private sources, we will ensure Ireland’s workforce is equipped to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
It will help to support both Irish and foreign companies who have invested here, such as Microsoft. I recently attended its 40th Anniversary in Ireland. Recognising the highly skilled workforce we have here, Microsoft went from initial manufacturing operations with 100 people in 1985, to now employing more than 6,400 people across its multifunctional campus operation and with a strong focus research and development activities.
I was also delighted to recently welcome ATU and Vodafone Ireland's funding to develop next generation digital technologies for new apprenticeship programmes in engineering and construction.
All of these are examples of the close collaboration with my Department and education and training providers and enterprise.
Across the system, providers co-design programmes with enterprise to deliver relevant, future-focused learning. Initiatives such as Springboard+, Microcredentials, Microqualifications, and Skills to Advance offer flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities, empowering individuals to adapt throughout their careers.
Equally important are research and innovation partnerships between education providers and enterprise, which drive new knowledge, technologies, and solutions that strengthen Ireland’s position as a leader in innovation. Skillnet Ireland also works with industry to deliver tailored programmes and business supports, ensuring skills development and innovation go hand in hand.
My Department will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure education and training provision is responsive and forward-looking. This approach delivers benefits for learners, employers, and the wider economy—building a highly skilled, innovative workforce and positioning Ireland for sustainable growth in a global context.
