Seán Haughey, T.D. Minister for Lifelong Learning launches Union Learning Skillnet

The Minister for Lifelong Learning, Seán Haughey, T.D.,today (1 May, 2008) launched the Union Learning Skillnet – an excellent example of what can be achieved in the educational sphere through Social Partnership. The launch took place at Liberty Hall, Dublin.

At the launch, Minister Haughey spoke about the importance of the continuation of Social Partnership saying, “the value and benefits of Social Partnership cannot be overemphasised. It has helped to boost the economy, stabilise the industrial relations climate and provided greater predictability to our indigenous business sector and to inward investors.”

The Minister went on to say “today we are launching the Union Learning Skillnet, which contributes to the development and empowerment of people. Skillnetenables collaboration between the three trade unions, SIPTU, IMPACT and the TEEU and the employments which they represent, in order to provide training solutions to deliver on identified training needs for the challenges facing trade unions and their members in the current economic climate.”

Minister Haughey spoke about the new challenges facing our economy and the importance of upskilling our workforce to meet these challenges, saying “through innovation and investment in the training and upskilling of our workforce we can stay ahead. Upskilling the workforce is one of the most effective ways in ensuring that our economy stays competitive and innovation-driven.  Cultivating a high-performing workforce ensures that our economy is up there with other global economies in competing for business in the future.”

Minister Haughey concluded by wishing all involved with the Union Learning Skillnet, “every success in making training a reality for workers.”

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