From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD today announced his nomination of Mr. Terry Landers to Skillnet Ireland’s Board of Directors for a three-year term.
His appointment commenced on 8th February 2024 and will continue until 7th February 2027. The Board of Directors ratified the Minister’s nomination at its meeting on Thursday, 8th February.
Minster Harris said:
“This nomination brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Skillnet Ireland. I am delighted to nominate Mr. Landers and I wish him well in the important work ahead for Skillnet Ireland as the Government’s workforce development agency.”
Funded from the National Training Fund, Skillnet Ireland’s primary aim is to increase participation in enterprise training by companies to upskill the workforce and provide greater access for workers to skills development.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
“Skillnet Ireland plays a significant role in our skills ecosystem. Ireland’s international reputation as an innovative, agile and high-performing economy is critically dependent on the quality of its workforce. This demands a robust and durable supply of talent and highly skilled workers.
"As the workforce development agency, Skillnet Ireland will expand our engagement with companies and build on partnerships with the tertiary sector to ensure the supply of highly skilled workers are equipped with the essential skills, knowledge and capabilities for a world of work being transformed by technology.”
Brendan McGinty, Chairperson, Skillnet Ireland said:
“On behalf of the Board of Skillnet Ireland, I am delighted to welcome Terry Landers as a newly appointed Director on the nomination of the Minister. Terry’s considerable experience in ICT and across other sectors will complement the existing skillset on the Skillnet Ireland Board.”
Skillnet Ireland
Established as a company limited by guarantee in 1999, Skillnet Ireland is an enterprise-led business support agency. In December 2022, Minister Harris reinforced Skillnet Ireland’s mandate as a Government of Ireland agency under the remit of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund and operates a cost-sharing model where State grants are combined with investment from participating private businesses. Skillnet Ireland provides subsidised training to business through its 70+Skillnet Business networks, which are focused on a specific sectors or regions operating nationwide and across all sectors.
Skillnet Ireland is a Company Limited by Guarantee under the Companies Act 2014. As per Section 26 of the Company’s Constitution, the Board of Directors comprising 13 members of which three directors are nominated by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
Role and Function of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors acts as stewards of Skillnet Ireland and has the authority and duty to manage the affairs and business of Skillnet Ireland and its subsidiary, Skillnets Services DAC. The Board’s principal duties include:
Fees payable to board members
Ordinary members of the Skillnet Ireland Board of Directors are paid a fee of €7,695 per annum. It should be noted that, in line with the ‘One Person, One Salary’ principle, no public servant is entitled to receive remuneration in the form of board fees, save for situations that are statutorily provided for e.g. Worker Directors.