AQW 40972/22-27

Mr David Honeyford
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 19/02/2026
Answered On Date: 27/02/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
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.

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.