Seán Haughey, T.D., Minister for Lifelong Learning addresses Workplace Skills Review Seminar

‘We must work together to prepare our workforce for the future’- Seán Haughey, T.D

The Minister for Lifelong Learning, Seán Haughey T.D., today (28 April, 2008) addressed the Workskills Review Seminar, which took place at the Morrison Hotel, Dublin. The purpose of the seminar was to discuss how the ongoing fundamental changes in our economy are going to affect people who are low skilled.

Speaking at the seminar, Minister Haughey said “the Irish economy has been undergoing a transition for several years. We must not forget about the sectors and individuals in our society who are the most vulnerable. The low skilled require our assistance the most, if our economic development is to improve their quality of life and facilitate their access to increased opportunities and to achieve their potential.”

Minister Haughey went on to say “we must work together in order that we prepare our workforce for the future. If we are to remain competitive and to continue to build on our economic development we must be proactive in terms of investing in crucial areas of our economy, particularly our education and training.”

Speaking about the importance of lifelong learning and upskilling, Minister Haughey said,“the key element in sustaining our economic prosperity will be our ability to develop competitive advantage in the area of the skills and the qualifications of our workforce. We must encourage greater participation in lifelong learning by facilitating and motivating everyone to increase their skill levels and qualifications.”

Speaking about the importance and relevance of the seminar, Minister Haughey said “as chair of the inter-Departmental Committee overseeing the implementation of the National Skills Strategy, I am impressed that this seminar is focusing on an essential issue at a very opportune time. The purpose of this seminar is to review the effectiveness of literacy measures already in place and consider how workplace and social issues may impact on supports for training and learning, and attitudes towards training among peers.”

In conclusion, Minister Haughey said “we cannot afford to leave anyone behind in this drive to improve the skills and competencies of our work force. To achieve our economic potential will require a determined and committed effort on all our parts. We need to improve the skills of our entire workforce, but we need to have a special focus on upskilling the low skilled.”