236. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science given the pace of change in the tech industry, the new or expanded reskilling programmes - particularly in AI, cybersecurity, and advanced digital skills that will be funded to help displaced workers transition quickly into high-demand roles. [46177/26]

The Government recognises that the pace of technological change is re-shaping our economy and society. The impact of AI on future work remains uncertain; while it will undoubtedly create new opportunities, it also poses risks of roles and skills displacement. Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future, the national digital and AI strategy, outlines the need to strengthen the pipeline of digital specialists with AI skills and to develop a comprehensive range of re-skilling and upskilling opportunities to support those most exposed to technological change.

My Department, through its agencies, is supporting workers to navigate and mitigate the impacts of potential job displacement, including through responsive and accessible skilling and upskilling opportunities. Programmes already offered through the HEA, Skillnet and SOLAS provide a range of re-skilling and up-skilling opportunities to those most exposed to technological change.

Examples of the opportunities funded by my Department’s agencies include:

The HEA's Springboard+ initiative offers free and heavily subsidised full and part time certificate, degree and masters programmes, leading to qualifications in areas of the economy where there are employment opportunities. These include ICT. There are new courses staring this autumn and open for registration now.

SOLAS developed a new suite of micro-qualifications for citizens and employees. The programmes were designed in collaboration with industry partners and will deliver targeted training in areas such as machine learning basics, ethical AI, data analysis, and practical use cases. Launched in February, they are available through the 16 ETBs.

Skillnet Ireland’s business networks, which are partially state-funded, provide enterprise-led workforce development initiatives. They offer courses in AI, Big Data, Cybersecurity, Cloud, and Software Development. They range from Master level to short courses (e.g. DATA smart).

The acquisition of AI literacy is also one of my priorities. I have launched an upskilling on-line platform available to all: AIready.ie. The range of courses available will expand over future phases of the platform’s development.

The establishment of a National Skills Observatory will help us to map out Ireland’s future skills pipeline, including AI, and provide education and training responses with precision and foresight.

Acting as a central repository for labour market and skills information in Ireland, the Observatory will facilitate improved workforce planning, stronger policy and decision-making, improved lifelong learning and workforce reskilling.

My officials are currently progressing the establishment of the Observatory, which will build on the work of the existing Skills and Labour Market Research Unit in SOLAS.