In a rapidly changing world, it is very difficult to follow from one headline to another, whether it relates to domestic matters or geopolitics, which are in constant flux. Somebody said that we seemed, unfortunately, to be almost returning to the 1700s, just with better weaponry. It is a necessity that we deal with the realities of the world we live in and ensure we have the appropriate skill sets. I welcome certain things when we are talking about ensuring a greater level of access for those who may need another path, whether that is in medicine or teaching. I am talking about two very particular skill sets that we need in society. A considerable number of people, particularly young people, may want to enter medicine or teaching. It is necessary to ensure we allow the free flow because, at times, we may open pathways but not to all. This must be taken into account. We know the issues that exist regarding the whole sphere of disability, particularly children’s disability, even if we are talking specifically about autism. No matter what issues I may have with how children’s disability network teams, CDNTs, and primary care are put together, I know that whether we are talking about in-school therapies, CDNTs, primary care or something else, there will be a need for a greater number of therapists. It is about ensuring the best modes of training. We have all seen apprenticeship types change. We must have an increased number of pathways that suit people from the point of view of garnering the skills necessary to deliver. It goes without saying that Queen’s University Belfast and Dundalk Institute of Technology, DkIT, have a partnership that many of us welcome. Hopefully, it can be a win for both and ensure more of the work that has already been done by the likes of the Regional Development Centre in DkIT, and also a greater level of research work and output. The Louth and Meath Education and Training Board has done considerable work with the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence, which is operating directly with employers. I cannot but talk about the Ó Fiaich Institute of Further Education, the Drogheda Institute of Further Education, DIFE, and the various pathways that are available, but I still feel we need much earlier intervention to ensure we can get people into work. We are aware of the ongoing fear of displacement through AI, with whatever benefits there will be. We have seen it in Meta contractor Covalen and possibly PayPal. However, we do need to deal with the issue of personal assistants in the further education colleges and the need for proper contracts.

Sentiment score: 0.29