30 September 2025
SDLP Opposition Economy Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin MLA has questioned Sinn Féin’s failure to support the creation of an all-island talent development agency.
It follows an Assembly debate on the need to address the skills gap between young people and businesses.
The SDLP Opposition brought forward an amendment calling on the Economy Minister to work with counterparts in the South to address the issue on an all-island basis.
Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin said:
“I was astonished by Sinn Féin’s failure to support our amendment calling for an all-island talent development agency in the Assembly today, particularly after one of their own MLAs spoke in favour of the proposal. That kind of mixed messaging helps no one.
“It simply makes sense to tackle these challenges on an all-island basis. The needs of businesses in Derry are the same as those in Donegal, and both are experiencing the same skills gap between what employers require and what our young people are leaving education with.
“This is just one of many areas where closer cooperation would deliver better outcomes for everyone. This was a missed opportunity to speak with one voice around a practical solution to addressing these challenges on this island.”