Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
885. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the proportion of the National Training Fund that is used toward AI upskilling; the plans to further engage in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51186/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy, I know you have a deep interest in AI and its implications for our economy and society, and I welcome your continued engagement on this important issue.
As you are aware, this Government recognises that technological advancements will inevitably bring disruption. The impact of AI on future work remains uncertain; while it will undoubtedly create new opportunities, it also poses risks of jobs and skills displacement. To that end, I launched AIReady.ie, a new national online AI skilling platform developed by SOLAS in partnership with the National Skills Council on 23 April. Initial content focuses on building foundational AI literacy and practical digital capability through four free short courses tailored to older people, small businesses such as sole traders and farmers, and individuals returning to the workforce. The platform was developed by SOLAS, in partnership with the National Skills Council, and is designed to make learning about AI more accessible and inclusive.
In late June, I held an “AI workforce readiness” roundtable to bring together leaders from industry, government and education to examine emerging skills gaps, system challenges and ongoing responses to help shape Ireland’s future in response to technological change. During the discussions, the need to go beyond AI awareness and literacy to develop AI implementation capabilities was outlined. It was clear that beyond the technical skills, users and adopters need to foster critical thinking and ethical judgement combined with communication, teamwork and problem solving. The implication is that, more than ever, our graduates need transversal skills. The roundtable discussion combined with research carried by the ESRI and the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs is informing my Department's response. My officials are exploring the development of National Skills Academies. For the longer term, we are preparing a Statement of Ambition on Digital and AI Skills and a Roadmap for Technology Skills of the Future.
Through the National Training Fund (NTF), my Department supports workers to navigate and mitigate the impacts of potential job displacement, including through responsive and accessible skilling and upskilling opportunities.
In relation to AI upskilling, it is not possible to provide a precise breakdown of NTF expenditure attributable solely to AI, as AI related supports are embedded across a broader suite of digital skills, innovation and workforce development programmes, with funding generally allocated at programme rather than individual thematic level. Nevertheless, NTF funding supports a range of initiatives that contribute to AI upskilling and capability development, including enterprise-focused training, digital skills provision, workforce transformation programmes and targeted responses to emerging skills needs across the economy.
For example, earlier this year, I was pleased to support SOLAS’ rollout of a suite of AI-focused micro-qualifications at NFQ levels 4 to 6, available nationwide through the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs). Developed with enterprise partners and experts from the research and innovation ecosystem, including ADAPT and Microsoft, these programmes cover areas such as Enhancing Productivity with AI, machine-learning fundamentals, ethical AI, data analysis and practical SME use cases, with further expansion planned.
ETBs also deliver a broad range of FET upskilling and reskilling supports for SMEs in AI, digital and sustainability skills. Micro-qualifications were specifically designed to address barriers of time and relevance for employers: they are highly subsidised, flexibly delivered, and typically involve around 50 hours of combined tutor-led and self-directed learning.
There are currently 45 validated micro-qualifications being rolled out across the FET system, spanning digital and AI skills, robotics, productivity and business innovation, sustainability and circular-economy practices, sustainable finance and procurement, leadership and resilience, transversal and care-related skills, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, including contamination control in cleanroom environments.
Skillnet Ireland continues to deliver AI upskilling at scale through its Business Networks, with more than 50 AI training programmes delivered in 2025, ranging from short introductory courses to an MSc in Artificial Intelligence developed with the University of Limerick, which now has over 400 graduates. Skillnet also delivers specialist AI supports through five dedicated technology-focused Networks and the Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet AI Capability Accelerator, a practical, coaching-led programme for senior leaders.
In addition, Skillnet Ireland and Enterprise Ireland are collaborating on a four-part AI Discovery Webinar Series for SME leaders, with over 350 companies registered, focused on ethical AI adoption, productivity and addressing digital skills gaps.
Eligible employees in the SME sector may also access Springboard+ provision. Springboard+ 2026 offers 7,274 places across 244 programmes, with 90% delivered online or in blended formats. Almost one quarter of places are in digital skills, including 428 places in AI-focused programmes from NFQ levels 6 to 9.
Finally, the NTF also supports skills development activity delivered by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. Information on NTF-funded supports is available through the National Enterprise Hub, the Government’s one-stop shop for business supports.
