Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
1242. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has identified skills shortages in fields related to cyber security; the measures in place to address these shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9462/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is closely working with stakeholders across the skills ecosystem to ensure adequate skills supply for all sectors, including digital, AI and cybersecurity needs. In 2024, working closely with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), we published research on the labour market skills requirements for emerging technologies. This was completed as part of our commitment to evidence-informed policy development. We are delivering several initiatives to enhance our national response to identified AI and digital skills needs. Among these are the development of new programmes to complement the existing broad range of skilling, upskilling and re-skilling initiatives which sit alongside research infrastructure and capability – including funding PhDs in disciplines involving digital technologies and their use.
As with many areas, this involves collaboration right across Government and industry. For example, regarding cybersecurity specifically, through Enterprise Ireland, Cyber Ireland operates as the national cybersecurity cluster organisation. It connects the cybersecurity sector here in Ireland to drive business growth through collaboration, workforce development and innovation. Cyber Ireland are doing significant work on skills, including developing Ireland's first National Cybersecurity Careers Fair at MTU in Cork, which was attended by over 500 people. They have developed Project Atlas, a national cybersecurity competence map, to understand where key cyber skills are concentrated across the country. They have also established the Women4Cyber Ireland chapter, which now provides a community of over 160 members. This is all happening alongside the development of new courses, hosting European partners for Cyber Skills Hubs, and supporting cyber skills initiatives in second-level education. Additionally, Skillnet Ireland works closely with industry and academia to develop demand-led programmes which equip the Irish workforce with advanced digital skills including in response to cyber security skills need. Such skills are essential to building cybersecurity resilience and supporting national competitiveness. Each year, Skillnet Ireland supports over 500 trainees’ participation in cybersecurity programmes. Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, Law Society Skillnet, and Dundalk Chamber Skillnet recently supported cybersecurity courses. Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet cybersecurity courses include a MSc in Cybersecurity, which is a co-created programme with National College of Ireland. This year, Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet will collaborate with the Irish Management Institute and Cyber Ireland to deliver a leadership development course entitled ‘Leading in Cybersecurity’. Many programmes are accessible through Springboard+, and as micro-credentials. Springboard+ allows learners to access upskilling and reskilling opportunities that are partially funded, in many cases up to 90%, removing some of the financial barriers to upskilling and reskilling opportunities. Micro-credentials are short, stackable accredited courses ranging from 6 to 16 weeks duration and are delivered often in hybrid format or fully online. This enables learners to access opportunities in a way that is flexible to their needs. All of this outlines the significant work underway across the tertiary system to ensure that Ireland has the necessary skills supply to meet cybersecurity needs.
