South Donegal, Sligo/Leitrim TD Marian Harkin has been appointed as Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
The Independent deputy will have special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction, and Climate Skills.
The occasion prompted Minister Harkin to make a heartfelt acknowledgment to her late mother, Annie Gilmartin of Ballintogher, County Sligo, who passed away in January at the remarkable age of 98.
The Minister said: “Her hard work and determination ensured that we, her children, received an education and the foundation for a good life. Though she did not live to see this moment, I hope that my work and achievements as a politician and Minister will reflect the values she instilled in me.”
As a former teacher, Minister Harkin said she is a passionate advocate for learning.
“I am particularly excited to work across a range of areas and disciplines where significant progress is being made,” she said.
“From the excellent work of the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) to the revival of apprenticeships, the development of modern construction methods, and the ever-evolving field of climate skills, there is much ground-breaking work being done, and I am eager to get involved and make further progress.”
“In particular we need to encourage so many more students and workers to consider apprenticeships either to enter the workforce or to upskill,” Minister Harkin continued, “there are over 60 different types of apprenticeships on offer ranging from construction, to cyber security, hospitality, accounting, motor mechanic to engineering and climate skills. The possibility to ‘learn as you earn’ is proving very attractive to many and we want to encourage the uptake of apprenticeships across so many different and varied sectors.”
She also emphasized the importance of collaboration in delivering on this portfolio:
“I look forward to working closely with my line Minister, James Lawless TD, and with the dedicated staff in the Department, many of whom I have already had the pleasure of meeting.”
Minister Harkin also took the opportunity to express gratitude to those who have supported her throughout her career: “I want to pay tribute to my constituency Administrative Assistant, Marie Henry, as well as to my neighbours, friends and supporters who have accompanied me on the journey. Also, my brothers and sisters, our extended families and my sons, James and John, whose constant support has made this achievement possible.”
