Simon Harris

To increase State investment in targeted workforce development programmes that respond to identified employer skills shortages and support business productivity and growth.

To provide businesses and employees with greater access to practical AI and digital skills, training, enabling companies of all sizes to adopt emerging technologies and improve productivity.

To increase the use of National Training Fund resources for employer-led, enterprise-focused training programmes addressing current and future sills shortages.

To maintain and increase support for Skillnet Ireland and employer-led training networks that provide flexible, industry-responsive upskilling and reskilling programmes.

To confirm Shannon as the location for the National Aviation Apprenticeship Centre; provide the necessary capital and operational funding; support continued collaboration between SOLAS, industry and education providers; and recognise Shannon's aviation cluster as the national…

Seeking co-operation from department with the IUA to source funding, policy objectives, recognition of the priorities of the sector, and how IUA can contribute to the Ministers and Government agendas.

Ensure equal opportunities in entrepreneurship - Improve women-led entrepreneurship by expanding dedicated early-stage finance and creating a single, joined-up access point for enterprise supports.

Build skills and export capacity for long-term growth - Strengthen trade supports, apprenticeships, lifelong learning and regional skills systems to support resilience and expansion.

Simplify tax, regulation and labour market access by reducing administrative burdens, modernising outdated tax rules and removing barriers to hiring and workforce participation.

The continuation of Irish Government funding for medical student places in Queen's.

Turn climate ambition into practical delivery. Provide long-term certainty through post-2030 targets, workforce transition supports, city-level climate investment and evidence-based planning for future energy options.

Strengthen innovation and competitiveness by supporting SME digital adoption, strengthening R&D incentives and investing in future-focused strategic sectors.

To support SME's navigate sustainability, digitalisation, and international growth

To support SME's navigate sustainability, digitalisation, and international growth

To outline key areas for investment for Cork business with regard to education and skills in Budget 2027, including sufficient core funding for higher education, support for apprenticeships, upskilling and reskilling, as well as unlocking the National Training Fund.