Skillnet Ireland

Lobbying Organisation Skillnet Ireland

Date published 20 Jan, 2023

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Education and Training

Period 1 Sep, 2022 to 31 Dec, 2022

Specific Details Strengthened Mandate for Skillnet Ireland

Intended results The meeting followed engagement between the Department and Skillnet Ireland on the policy area of workforce development and its important in the context of ongoing competitiveness of the enterprise sector. Further discussion with officials and with the Minister on the mandate of Skillnet Ireland with respect to workforce development for the enterprise sector, further discussion on the potential to strengthen or renew the mandate in that context, and clarity on next steps.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Paul Healy, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Meeting (1)

Location: Dept of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, St. Stephens Green, Dublin Agenda: •Workforce development as a critical competitiveness issue/ opportunity for Ireland. (Workforce Development meaning: Development of middle and high skills in the labour market, skills in the context of industry 4.0, talent supply for the FDI sector and boosting SME innovation/ competitiveness) •The benefits of a designated agency spearheading workforce development, coordinating a joined-up system wide approach. •The future role of Skillnet Ireland with respect to workforce development as the Government agency with extensive partnerships with industry and employees. •The current and future role of Skillnet Ireland in helping prime tertiary provision for the future needs of the economy. Other Attendees: Mary McGarry PO DFHERIS ; Stephanie O’Brien PO DFHERIS ;Brendan McGinty, Chair Skillnet Ireland

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Simon Harris Minister (Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science)

Deirdre Duffy Special Adviser (Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science)