Education and Training Boards Ireland Annual Conference

Slieve Russell Hotel, Cavan | October 2025

I was delighted to speak at the recent Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) Annual Conference at the Slieve Russell Hotel in Cavan, addressing delegates on the critical theme of Enterprise and the role education and training can play in supporting Ireland’s economic future.

A central focus of my contribution was how ETBs across the country can play a vital and practical role in supporting Irish SMEs by delivering relevant, flexible skills training that is closely aligned with the real and constantly evolving needs of Irish businesses. As industries adapt to technological change, new markets and shifting workforce demands, ensuring that skills provision keeps pace is more important than ever.

At a time of increased global uncertainty — including the impact of tariffs and ongoing questions around the future trajectory of foreign direct investment — the importance of Ireland’s indigenous businesses to our long-term economic resilience and stability has never been clearer. Supporting these enterprises with the right skills, talent pipelines and lifelong learning opportunities will be central to sustaining growth and employment in communities across the country.

With hundreds of ETB staff, board members, SOLAS representatives and colleagues from across Government agencies in attendance, it was genuinely encouraging to witness the energy, commitment and enthusiasm to seize this opportunity and to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the enterprise space.

The conference was a powerful reminder of the pivotal role that education, training and enterprise must play together in shaping Ireland’s future — and of the enormous potential that exists when policy, skills and business are closely aligned.