Media alert: Skills for Jobs discussion
Event date 22 November 2023 10:00 – 12:30
Location Europe House, 12-14 Mount Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 W710
On Wednesday, 22 November, the European Commission Representation in Ireland and Eurofound will host a seminar to discuss the challenges that Ireland and other EU countries currently face in matching the needs of the their economies for skilled professionals with the talents pool of their citizens.
Based around Eurofound’s research findings and with input from EU policymakers and Irish stakeholders, it will be an opportunity to explore current skills/labour shortages and trends across public and private sectors.
According to a Eurobarometer survey published last week, “difficulties in finding employees with the right skills” is by far the biggest problem for SMEs both in Ireland and in the EU. 50% of Irish SMEs and 54% of EU SMEs cite this is the most serious problem they encounter, far ahead of issues like “regulatory obstacles” or “access to finance”. Over half of Irish SMEs have found it difficult to find and hire staff with the right skills over the past 24 months.
The event will be opened by Barbara Nolan, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland. Simon Harris T.D., Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science will deliver the opening address followed by remarks from Ivailo Kalfin, Eurofound Executive Director
Other speakers include:
- Franz Eiffe, Research manager, Eurofound
- Paul Healy, CEO, Skillnet Ireland
- Emma Kinsella, Head of Skills Policy and Enterprise Engagement Unit, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
- Meadhbh Costello, Policy Executive, IBEC
- Tony Fitzpatrick, INMO.
The event will be moderated by Mary McCaughey, Head of Information and Communication in Eurofound.
A panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A session with participants.
Journalist are welcome to the event, but please note that the capacity of the room is limited and to secure you place please register in advance here: https://forms.office.com/e/rjZabd2YN0
Programme of the event
09: 30 Registration and Coffee
10:00 Welcome & Introduction to the European Year of Skills
- Barbara Nolan, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland
10:10 Opening address
- Simon Harris T.D., Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
10:25 Introductory remarks
- Ivailo Kalfin, Executive Director, Eurofound
10:40 Scene setter
- Franz Eiffe, Research manager, Eurofound: Overview of Eurofound’s latest research findings on skills
10:55 Panel Discussion
- Paul Healy, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland
- Emma Kinsella, Head of Skills Policy & Enterprise Engagement, Dept. Of Further & Higher Education (DFHERIS)
- Meadhbh Costello, Policy Executive, Ibec
- Tony Fitzpatrick, Director of Professional Services, Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation
- Moderated by Mary McCaughey, Head of Communication at Eurofound
11:40 Q&A with panel and audience
12:20 Wrap-up and closing
12:30 End of event – Networking lunch
