Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2026
269. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the timeline for publication of the new national strategy on artificial intelligence skills and workforce development; and the measures being taken to ensure Ireland remains competitive in attracting high-value technology investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35621/26]
View answerMy Department is collaborating with Department of An Taoiseach to implement Digital Ireland: Connecting our People, Securing our Future, which launched earlier this year. Under the Strategy, to empower our people to thrive in a digital society, Ireland will seek to:
• Optimise the pipeline of specialist technology skills to meet industry and public sector needs) and diversify the profile of digital specialists, by encouraging under-represented groups to become technology specialists.
• Provide skilling and upskilling opportunities for businesses, NGOs and public sector organisations to support their digital transformation.
• Embed the development of digital skills and the use of digital technologies across education and training, including the use of AI for teaching and learning.
• Enhance digital literacy for all, including AI literacy.
To drive the delivery of our commitments under Digital Ireland, my Department, has several deliverables to ensure our workforce remains competitive. Including:
• A Roadmap for Technology Skills of the Future, to optimise the pipeline of specialist technology skills to meet industry and public sector needs;
• The Statement of Ambition on Digital and AI Skills to clarify the priorities of the further and higher education sector and the wider skills eco-system regarding the acquisition of digital and AI skills;
• AI micro-qualifications developed by SOLAS were launched in February. They are available through the 16 ETBs. They aim to upskill citizens and Irish businesses in AI technologies;
• An online platform, AIReady, offering AI learning opportunities for all was launched on the 23rd of April and seeks to support the digital transformation. Future phases of the platform will expand the range of user profiles supported and provide more specialised learning opportunities tailored to specific sectors and skill levels.
These initiatives form part of my broader ambition to upskill one million people in this area and to strengthen our national response to identified AI and digital skills needs.
