Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire Mary Mitchell O’Connor has said the new National Skills Strategy 2025 – Ireland’s Future is a key pillar in Fine Gael’s plan to keep the recovery going.

“I was delighted to see this strategy launched here at the Blackrock Further Education Institute today by the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister for Education and Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation.

“Fine Gael has a long term economic plan to keep the recovery going and the first step of that plan is the creation of more and better jobs. This requires a well-educated and well-skilled workforce.

“The strategy launched today identifies Ireland’s current skills profile and provides a strategic vision and specific objectives for Ireland’s future skills requirements.

“I particularly welcome the Government’s commitment today to provide 50,000 modern apprenticeship and traineeship places to 2020. This is an important step towards Fine Gael’s plan to reach full employment.

“More people in work creates the resources to cut taxes for working people and invest in better services, improving living standards for all. This will ensure more people feel the benefits of a recovering economy in their own lives.”