Artificial Intelligence

Wednesday, 4 February 2026

Ceisteanna (1199, 1200, 1201, 1202, 1203, 1205)

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

1199. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated total cost of the proposed national online AI and digital skills platform intended to upskill up to one million people; the funding source for this initiative, including whether funding will be drawn from his Department’s Vote, the National Training Fund, or another source; the multi-annual budgetary provision envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7633/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

1200. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the delivery model proposed for the national AI and digital skills upskilling platform; whether delivery will be provided directly by the State, through SOLAS, or via contracted private or third-party e-learning providers; the procurement process envisaged for selecting any such providers; and the governance and oversight arrangements that will apply. [7634/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

1201. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the specific target cohorts for the proposed AI and digital skills platform; whether participation will be open to workers, jobseekers, SMEs, the self-employed, and those outside the labour force; the measures planned to ensure accessibility for people with low baseline digital skills; and if he will outline how uptake will be measured. [7635/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

1202. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the proposed micro-credential framework referenced for the AI and digital skills platform; how stackability and formal recognition of qualifications will operate; whether these micro-credentials will align with the National Framework of Qualifications; and what engagement has taken place with employers and higher-education institutions in this regard. [7636/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

1203. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the evidence base used to support the target of upskilling one million people in AI and digital skills; the data sources relied upon, including reports from Ibec, OECD and the National Skills Council; and whether the Department has set interim targets or timelines for delivery. [7637/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

1205. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science how the proposed AI and digital skills initiatives will address regional and sectoral skills gaps; whether specific provision will be made for construction, manufacturing, retail, and SMEs; and how regional disparities identified by the National Skills Observatory will be acted upon. [7639/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1199, 1200, 1201, 1202, 1203 and 1205 together.

The new national online skilling platform is part of a number of initiatives being delivered across Government and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Innovation, Research and Science to enhance our national response to identified AI and digital skills needs.

The National Skills Council has identified AI skills as a critical national capability and an issue of concern to enterprise.

In their 2025 advice to Government, the Council gave specific recommendations around AI skills gaps, including the provision of opportunities for continuous workforce skilling through collaboration and training across the skills ecosystem. This initiative is expected to prioritise foundational AI literacy and applied digital capability to support unlocking the potential of AI-driven innovation.

This platform will be free to all Irish citizens from every walk of life and region, wanting to know and understand more about Artificial Intelligence. In the first iteration, it aims to demystify AI via a suite of four to six short introductory courses, with signposting for more advanced AI skills development such as the various AI Micro-Qualification courses being offered by SOLAS at levels 4-6 of the National Framework of Qualifications.

Following advice from the National Skills Council and to maximise efficiencies, my officials are working with SOLAS in developing this initiative. The platform will be hosted on eCollege to assure reach and quality assurance, building on existing experience in, and oversight arrangements for, running a national eLearning environment.

Acting as an enabler of lifelong learning, the platform aims to support workforce transitions and maximise employment outcomes. Lifelong learning was one of the four priority areas examined by the 2023 OECD Review of Ireland’s National Skills Strategy, with the Review noting that a culture of lifelong learning needs to be further strengthened so that the adult participation rate in education and training in Ireland increases.

Question No. 1200 answered with Question No. 1199.

Question No. 1201 answered with Question No. 1199.

Question No. 1202 answered with Question No. 1199.