156. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way his Department is aligning higher education courses with current and projected skills shortages in Ireland; if he will provide details of any new initiatives in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34803/26]
Sentiment score: 0.09
As the Minister knows, the jobs requirements by companies are very fluid at the moment, especially with the introduction of AI. What steps are being taken to ensure that higher education courses are aligned with current and projected skills shortages, and will with Minister make a statement on it, please?
Sentiment score: 0.26
I welcome the focus on aligning higher education with current and projected skills shortages. Like the Minister said, it is about meeting with the industries to figure out what requirements are needed but also to find out and make sure that the courses we are providing at the moment are giving the students the proper skills when they actually finish those courses. It is clear that artificial intelligence is now fundamentally changing the nature of work and the skills that will be required in the years ahead. Across every sector, whether it is healthcare, manufacturing, finance, education, agriculture or retail, AI and digital technologies are rapidly reshaping how businesses operate. Our education system must be agile enough to respond to the challenge and there is now a growing need not only for specialist AI and technology graduates, but also for broader digital literacy and adaptability across the workforce. At the same time as we embrace these new technologies, we also have to ensure we do not lose the core knowledge and fundamental skills on which industry will depend.
Sentiment score: 0.44
I thank the Minister for his response. While AI presents enormous opportunities, there is also understandable concern among many workers and students about how it may affect future employment. I think it will actually increase employment, but it is important that our education system prepares people not just to adapt to technology change but benefit from it. Will the Minister outline what steps are being taken to ensure that students across all disciplines develop AI and digital skills while also maintaining the core fundamentals and professional knowledge that remain essential in the workforce?
Sentiment score: 0.48
I am taking this question on behalf of Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere, a great Kilkenny sportsman in his day. I want to convey his congratulations to Offaly on their great performance at the weekend. He wants to wish Offaly well in the upcoming Leinster Championship. The question is to ask the Minister if the veterinary course at Kildalton College will have its first intake of students in 2026 and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Sentiment score: 0.57
The Minister's answer marks a hugely positive step forward for agriculture and animal healthcare in Ireland. The introduction of a veterinary course in Kildalton College offering 40 places each year is something that cannot be overstated in its importance. For too long, we have faced a serious shortage of qualified vets across the country. This has impacted farmers, the meat industry and even everyday pet owners who rely on timely and professional care for their animals. At the same time, many Irish students have had no choice but to travel abroad, often to countries like Poland, as the Minister mentioned, to pursue their dream of becoming veterinarians. Now, with these additional places here at home, we are not only strengthening our educational system, but also investing directly in the future of Irish agriculture and animal welfare. This is a practical, meaningful solution to a very real problem, and one that will benefit communities nationwide.
Sentiment score: 0.30
The establishment of a veterinary course in Kildalton College is not just an educational development, but a boost for the entire Piltown-Kildalton region. Bringing 40 students into the area each year will have a tangible impact on local life and businesses. These students will live and study in, and become part of, the community. They will support local shops, accommodation providers and services that may have been struggling in recent years. This kind of steady, long-term presence brings the vitality and economic activity that rural areas truly need. At the same time, we are building a pipeline of skilled professionals who will go on to serve farms, clinics and industries across Ireland. It is a win for education and for the whole area. I compliment the Minister's team on the hard work they did to ensure this course happened.
Sentiment score: 0.30
161. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the actions being taken to improve access to higher education in regional areas, particularly in the midlands; and if additional funding is being allocated to institutions serving these regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34802/26]
Sentiment score: 0.23
I thank the Minister of State. Improving access to higher education in regional areas is critical, not just from an educational perspective, but also from a social and economic perspective. The Minister of State spoke about the great work that is being done by TUS and also Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board, LOETB, in its third level exploits in Offaly. Too often, students in regional counties face barriers that are less pronounced in larger urban centres. Cost-of-living pressures, accommodation shortages and travel distances can make access to higher education significantly more difficult for families. It is important that students feel they can pursue further and higher education opportunities without feeling they must leave their communities permanently in order to succeed. I welcome the important role being played by TUS and the work being done by LOETB. However, it is important to note that Offaly still has very limited direct access to third level education provision, although excellent work has been done locally through LOETB. I am passionate about improving the situation and ensuring that students and families in Offaly have greater access to opportunities. Will the Minister of State outline what additional investment is planned for our area?
Sentiment score: 0.30
Regional education provision is not just about access to courses. It is also about supporting balanced regional development and ensuring that talent can be trained within communities. Will the Minister of State outline how the Department is ensuring that regional institutions are properly resourced to compete, grow and respond to emerging skills needs, particularly in areas linked to technology apprenticeships and further workforce demands? How will the Department measure whether progress is genuinely being made in improving regional access to higher education over the coming years? While the tertiary courses are absolutely fantastic and brilliant, we would like to have an outreach in Offaly from somewhere like TUS that is providing third level education for people who want to participate in third level in their home towns to avoid the cost of having to pay for accommodation by moving away and avoid the cost of transport by travelling on a daily basis, and to make sure that we have that offering in Offaly in order that they do not have the burden of the extra costs.
Sentiment score: 0.53