Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
214. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the targeted reskilling or upskilling programmes that are currently being developed or expanded for workers in sectors most exposed to AI-driven automation; the way in which affected workers are being identified and supported to access these programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34868/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe digitalisation of the economy and society and adoption of AI is one of the largest structural forces that is shaping our country today. The Government is committed to driving our digital agenda, and to Ireland remaining a digital leader at the heart of Europe, and globally.
Accordingly, Digital Ireland was published on the 18th of February. This is the National Digital and AI strategy which sets an ambition for Ireland to be a global hub for applied AI innovation. It also renews the Government's commitments to inclusion and accessibility to ensure that no one is left behind in this digital and AI revolution.
Research published by Department of Finance and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment showed that Ireland is relatively more exposed than other advanced economies. In line with this finding, Digital Ireland seeks to support workers to navigate and mitigate the impacts of potential job displacement, including through agile, responsive, and accessible skills supports.
For my part, I recently held the first National Skills Roundtable, marking the beginning of a national programme of high-level engagements focused on ensuring Ireland has the right skills for a rapidly changing economy. This will include a series of sector-specific meetings with employers and industry representative bodies to gain deeper insight into priority skills needs.
Officials within my Department are currently developing a Statement of Ambition, which will focus on digital skills, including AI skills, and a Roadmap for Technology Skills for the Future, which will be the successor to Technology Skills 2022.
My Department is developing a National Skills Observatory. It is intended to have the Observatory in place by the year end.
The Observatory will have a number of functions, including monitoring labour market trends and emerging skills needs, which will support Ireland’s responsiveness of Ireland’s education and training systems.
In terms of recent developments, last month I launched the AIready.ie platform. AI ready will support early inclusive skills development, an approach strongly reinforced by ESRI and Central Bank research on AI, skills and labour market disruption.
SOLAS and the Educational Training Boards have developed short flexible courses, including micro qualifications focused on AI awareness, applied skills and career transition opportunities. Higher education institutions continue to deliver a wide range of specialist and foundational digital skills programmes, including micro-credentials, through initiatives such as Springboard+.
These are complemented by the work of Skillnet Ireland, which continues to deliver enterprise led upskilling opportunities which are aligned with industry needs.
