AQW 40972/22-27 Written question to the Minister for the Economy

To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the rational for not progressing the establishment of a talent development agency, modelled on SkillNet Ireland.

Asked by David Honeyford MLA on 19 February 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
19 February 2026
Answer due by
6 March 2026
Answered
27 February 20268 days after tabling
Department
Department for the Economy
Priority question
No

Answer

I refer you to my recent correspondence AQW 38054 22-27 in which I detailed my Department’s work into the establishment of a talent development agency.

I would like to highlight again, that given the limited time remaining in this mandate, significant structural change of this nature will inevitably fall to an incoming Minister. However, the preparatory work we are progressing now will ensure that the next Executive has a clear, evidence-based foundation from which to consider future reform.

Official sources