Policy context for employment and skills in Ireland

This chapter provides an overview of Ireland’s employment and skills system. Ireland’s economy was hit by a profound crisis in 2008, after a decade of confident growth, resulting in a contracting economy and high job losses. Rising long-term and youth unemployment have been particularly stubborn. In response to the crisis, significant institutional reforms are underway impacting employment, vocational education and training, and economic development policies. These reforms are a unique opportunity to equip individuals with the necessary skills for long-term labour market success and make services more responsive to the skill needs of the local economy.