171. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline the work his Department is doing to encourage careers in the ORE sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34808/26]

My Department is leading a multi-faceted approach to build the skills base needed for a successful Offshore Renewable Energy Sector.

The Offshore Wind Skills Action Plan published in 2024 identified skills shortages in 33 roles required for the development of offshore wind and the measures to address these.

To actively drive this Plan forward and encourage careers in this sector, my Department has established an Expert Advisory Group comprising industry and tertiary sector representatives to advise on these needs.

Working with this group and with ongoing input from the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Enterprise Ireland, my department is progressing the development of a National Skills Hub for Offshore Wind.

Its first phase, an Online Career Pathway Platform is due for delivery at the end of this year and will focus on making career routes and the skills needed clearer for both industry and individual workers. Additionally, the Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy facilitates professional mobility through flexible upskilling and micro-credentials.

With Education and Training Boards Ireland and Minister Lawless, I launched the Offshore Renewable Energy Career Chart as part of the FET Skills Box on the 5th May. With a potential to reach approximately 500,000 students, it highlights diverse training routes into the sector.

International collaboration is key. Through the Scottish-Irish Offshore Wind Internship Pilot, ten students from Irish tertiary education institutions will partake in a 12-week paid placement in Scotland in Summer 2026, offering hands-on experience in offshore wind supply chain companies which will foster a future-ready workforce.

These initiatives are essential for transforming Ireland’s Offshore Renewable Energy resources into a sustainable industry. By making career pathways accessible and providing targeted training, we are ensuring our workforce is equipped to lead the transition toward energy security and a zero-carbon future.