Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
2058. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will advise the engagement his Department has had on its role in revitalising the Irish wool industry; if he has engaged with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on this focus from an education and training perspective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38265/23]
View answerMy Department engages on a continuous basis with all stakeholders across our skills ecosystem, seeking to prioritise and strengthen Ireland's overall system of skill provision to ensure it has the agility and flexibility to adapt to changing priorities in the skills and workforce development landscape, as well as the needs of learners themselves. This focus is underpinned by the detailed and comprehensive OECD Report on Ireland's Skills Strategy published on 9th May.
This agility and flexibility is further underscored by responsiveness to priority industry and enterprise workforce needs under key policy initiatives such as, for example; the Action Plan for Apprenticeship; Funding the Future; the Green Skills for FET Roadmap; and the National Digital Strategy, Harnessing Digital. The establishment of the National Apprenticeship Office has also been a welcome and positive step towards providing hands-on training and learning experiences across an increasing number of industries.
In that regard, I and my Department welcome the research commissioned by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine last year which reviewed market opportunities for the Irish wool industry. That report highlighted a number of programs and education and training opportunities for the industry. Currently, programs such as Wool in School, aims to increase awareness of Irish Grown Wool and its production within schools and other educational facilities.
That report also highlighted extensive funding options available to the industry to support and enhance education and training opportunities within the sector. Of these, Skillnet Ireland are funded by my Department through the National Training Fund to deliver upskilling and education opportunities across the workforce.
Skillnet Ireland partnerships exist with numerous industry bodies, in addition to the Skillnet Ireland Business Networks which cover most industry sectors across Ireland, and all businesses seeking to enhance skills development in their industry are encouraged to engage with the relevant network and avail of the many options available to support them.
For example, Rural Enterprise Skillnet offer training programmes which are specially designed to support enterprise-led training, adding value and profitability to businesses enterprises and providing opportunities for information exchange. Rural Enterprise Skillnet currently provide subsidised Sheep Shearing Training in three locations across the North West of Ireland, with industry recognised certification and clear pathways of progression for learners.
Skillnet, my Department and I will continue this support and welcome further opportunities to work with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the sector in the future.
