Statement of Strategy 2023-2025

An inclusive learning and innovation society where every person is able to reach their full potential.

We will develop Ireland’s tertiary education, training and research to support people to reach their full potential and create a prosperous, sustainable and vibrant society, ready to meet the challenges of a changing world.

Develop Talent

We will work to enable everyone across society to meet their potential and develop the talents, skills and knowledge required to succeed in the Irish economy of today and meet the needs of our stakeholders, employers and industry.

Promote Research, Innovation and Science

Lead a whole-of-Government approach to advancing research and innovation, through implementation of agreed strategies and the promotion of engagement between the enterprise sectors, higher educational institutions and research bodies in Ireland, the public sector, the wider community and internationally.

Support Inclusion

Strive to ensure that learners all across the tertiary system are enabled to access the supports they require, in particular to meet the needs of vulnerable learners, people with disabilities and those from a background of disadvantage so as to promote widespread engagement with the education and skills systems and in turn contribute to individual, community and national growth and prosperity.

Global Engagement

Position Ireland as a leading international location for researchers, students and post-graduates, and as an advanced knowledge economy with a cutting edge research and innovation focus, where there is ongoing engagement across the Island of Ireland and through key partnerships with the UK, within the EU, North/South and East/West and globally, in order to continue to draw high achieving individuals from abroad to Ireland’s international education system and to enable Ireland to compete on the world stage.

System Performance and Reform

Advance the continued progression of the Further and Higher Education systems, collaborating with stakeholders in the development of a Unified Tertiary System, the transformation of approaches to Apprenticeships and embracing the importance of Skills development.

Capabilities

Ensure the Department is positioned to deliver on its Mission, Goals and Strategy through supporting our staff, addressing our learning and development needs, and maintaining ongoing engagement across Government and with our stakeholders.