Minister Lawless addresses TUI Annual Congress
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Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
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Ireland's core strengths of talent, skills and research vital to sustaining competitiveness
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, addressed the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) Annual Congress 2025, highlighting the critical role of Ireland’s education and training system in sustaining national competitiveness amid global challenges.
“Climate change, technological disruption, economic volatility, geopolitical tensions—even war in Europe—these are not abstract issues,” Minister Lawless stated. “They are real and pressing forces that affect learners, communities, the labour market, businesses, and the future of Ireland itself.”
In response to these challenges, Minister Lawless outlined Government’s ongoing commitment to providing diverse and flexible education pathways that help individuals reach their full potential, while meeting the needs of employers and society, saying:
“We are developing our Technological Universities, planning for the FET College of the Future, implementing the Skills Strategy, promoting Digital Transformation, developing Green Skills and much more.”
Minister Lawless noted the growth and transformation of Ireland’s Technological Universities (TUs):
“TUs have a central role in promoting regional development by ensuring that high-quality education, training and research opportunities are available across all regions of Ireland.”
Highlighting the dual role of the Further Education and Training sector in economic development and social cohesion Minister Lawless outlined the development of the Strategy for the Further Education and Training Sector 2025–2029, in collaboration with SOLAS, to be published later this year.
Minister Lawless noted that Budget 2025 included a record €77 million increase in apprenticeship funding - bringing total investment to €339 million. This boost supports expanded training opportunities and strengthens apprenticeship as a key route for skills development.
“Apprenticeships play a key role in tackling the skills gaps that can hamper economic progress - whether in construction, computing, or other high-demand sectors,” Minister Lawless said.
He also thanked the TUI for its active involvement in managing apprenticeship training waiting lists and for its support in rolling out revalidated craft apprenticeship programmes.
In closing, Minister Lawless reaffirmed the importance of partnership and shared ambition:
“Together, through sustained investment in education, research and skills, we can build a more competitive, cohesive, and resilient Ireland.”
