689. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his proposals in conjunction with the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, to support employers and workers through training, retraining and upskilling initiatives in response to the rapidly changing nature of work; the measures being considered to address skills shortages and future workforce needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66671/26]

Deputy, I believe, that to meet the demands of a fast-changing economy, people must be supported to continuously develop, update and apply new skills throughout their careers. Flexible learning opportunities are critical to enable individuals to upskill, reskill and adapt to changing workforce demands throughout their life course.

This ambition is reflected in the new FET Strategy; Creating Futures 2026-2030 and my Department’s Tertiary Education Strategy 2026-2031. I launched the Tertiary Education Strategy last week and I see it creating huge opportunities for a more connected and learner-centred education system. The Strategy, complemented by the FET Strategy, provides a clear roadmap for the role of further and higher education in delivering the skills, lifelong learning opportunities and inclusive growth essential to Ireland's future success.

That strategic direction is underpinned by significant state investment from the National Training Fund (NTF) and the Exchequer in programmes and supports for skills development and lifelong learning through targeted tertiary education initiatives.

For example, programmes such as Springboard+ fund flexible courses in areas of identified skills need, including digital, AI and other future-focused sectors. The Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy has played a big role in enabling higher education institutions to offer a range of micro-credential courses in an enterprise-focused flexible lifelong learning format.

Recognising that skills need vary across the economy, my Department is working across priority sectors to develop targeted responses to current and anticipated workforce challenges. Looking at the construction sector for example, we are focussing on upskilling the workforce in the use of modern methods of construction (MMC) and are implementing a comprehensive, cross-sector Action Plan to support its greater adoption.

In the offshore wind sector, targeted skills initiatives are being advanced to ensure a pipeline of talent is available to support the delivery, operation and maintenance of future projects. Skillnet Ireland launched the Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy (SOWA) in November 2024. Developed with industry and tertiary partners, SOWA focuses on areas highlighted as critical to the success of Ireland’s Offshore Renewable Energy ambitions. It provides flexible, stackable micro-credentials and mentoring in areas covering design, construction, and environmental considerations.

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the world of work, building AI literacy and digital skills is increasingly important. In support of this, I launched AIReady.ie last April, expanded AI-focused micro-qualifications through the 16 ETBs, and increased investment in micro-credentials. In addition, Skillnet Ireland recently launched the pilot SME AI Incentivisation Scheme, funded by my Department through the NTF. This innovative scheme will support SMEs to invest in AI upskilling and reskilling by contributing towards employee salary costs while participating in approved AI training programmes.

However, the Government cannot address these challenges alone. By working together, across Government, agencies and partnerships such as the Regional Skills Fora and National Skills Council, we can empower people across society with the skills and confidence to both navigate and help shape the future.

I chaired my fifth National Skills Roundtable in Limerick last week, joined by the Mid-West Regional Skills Fora, local representatives from industry, education and Government. Our discussion highlighted that we must continue to strengthen lifelong learning and flexible training opportunities to equip people with the transferable, critical thinking, leadership and adaptive skills needed to navigate future change.

To support this, I am strengthening our ability to anticipate workforce needs and inform targeted skills interventions, through the establishment of the National Skills Observatory. The Observatory will serve as our national centre for skills and labour market intelligence across the whole labour market, dedicated to improving the quality, timeliness, and range of data collection, and ensuring that information is accessible and aligns with stakeholder needs.

As regards measures under consideration, you will appreciate that Budget discussions are currently underway across Government and it is not appropriate for me to comment on specific proposals or measures at this stage. The Government remains committed to supporting workforce development, but decisions in relation to Budget allocations will be made as part of the ongoing Budget process.