Written answer
Artificial Intelligence
The Government is assessing future AI-related skills needs through studies by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and Skillnet Ireland, which will inform a technology-skills roadmap. Existing responses include AI-focused Springboard+ micro-credentials, SOLAS AI micro-qualifications and the free AIReady.ie platform, with further training planned.
1486. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether his Department has assessed the future workforce skills that will be required to support increased adoption of artificial intelligence among Irish businesses over the next five years; and whether new training, apprenticeship or micro-credential programmes are planned to address anticipated gaps. [64244/26]
Comment on this
Artificial Intelligence has a transformative impact across the economy and society. In particular, it is changing the skills required in the workplace. Collaborating with the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, we commissioned a dedicated study, Digital Specialist Skills Needs in Ireland to 2030, which is due to be published shortly. This assesses current and future demand for digital specialists and their drivers – such as AI. It will inform the development of a Roadmap for Technology Skills of the Future.
The agencies under my Department are assessing skills needs to develop and deliver new initiatives.
With its business networks, Skillnet Ireland assesses the national and sectoral skills needs. Its forthcoming report, Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2026, is informed by a survey of 750 business leaders. The report assesses current and future skills and workforce development needs, with a focus on digitalisation and AI. The assessment is complemented by research on the strategic, technical and adaptive skills required for AI leadership, and sectoral research examining emerging workforce challenges and skills priorities. This is consistent with Skillnet's objective to equip businesses with the capabilities to integrate AI for smarter decision-making, efficiency, and growth as outlined in Skillnet’s Empowering Enterprise 2026-2028 strategy.
The HEA funded Springboard+ courses, which include micro-credential courses since 2025, are designed to help people develop skills that are in demand across the Irish economy and prepare for emerging career opportunities. The programme for 2026 (7,200 places across 244 courses) has a major focus on digital skills, artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, cybersecurity and emerging technologies. The uptake of 179 micro-credentials (3,881 placed) is encouraged by the Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy 2026. More than 50% of them have a digital skills focus.
Earlier this year, SOLAS launched a new suite of AI micro-qualifications under the Skills to Advance initiative. These are delivered through the national network of Education and Training Boards, to support employees and businesses to develop practical skills for the responsible adoption and use of AI. It is anticipated that the curricula will be adapted for use in other courses, thereby expanding the number of people who can be upskilled in this way.
Finally, to develop AI literacy and help individuals understand and use AI effectively, my Department's officials, SOLAS, and the National Skills Council worked together to develop an online AI Skilling Platform. AIReady.ie features free, non-technical short online courses. They support people upskilling and future-proof Ireland’s workforce for an AI driven economy. My officials are working on the next phase of the site which will offer signposted courses for different user profiles.