432. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether Government has undertaken an assessment of the potential implications of advances in artificial intelligence for Ireland’s future economic competitiveness and labour market; the skills, talent and workforce requirements identified; whether the capacity of the higher education sector to meet these requirements has been evaluated, including whether any risks have been identified arising from current funding deficits in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65988/26]

The adoption of AI is one of the largest structural forces that is shaping our country. While AI is changing how many jobs are performed, it also presents significant opportunities for innovation, productivity and the creation of new employment opportunities.

Since March, I have chaired a series of National Skills Roundtables that bring together representatives from industry, education and Government to discuss preparing our workforce for the age of AI. It is evident from the Roundtable engagements that Ireland has a strong foundation and clear ambition regarding Artificial Intelligence skills. However, we need to act with greater speed, coordination, and a focus on building capabilities across the entire workforce to fully realise AI’s economic and societal potential. To adapt to the changing labour market and support Ireland’s future economic competitiveness, the following avenues are pursued.

My Department funded a study a report on Skills for Digital Specialists to 2030 – to be published shortly by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. The report examines Ireland’s current and future requirements for specialist digital skills, including those associated with artificial intelligence. It considers the supply of the skills required to support Ireland’s continued digital transformation and competitiveness. The report will inform the Roadmap for Technology Skills of the Future which will outline how the system will drive the skilling and upskilling of our ICT professionals.

Since AI is impacting on many occupations, we are adapting the education and training system. We are offering a range of pathways through which individuals can acquire and develop relevant digital and AI – whether they are in education, in the workforce or they are hoping to enter or re-enter the workforce or they simply need those skills for life. These pathways include provision across higher education (e.g. Springboard+ and subsidised micro-credentials), as well as flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities initiatives offered by Skillnet Ireland and its networks, the ETBs (e.g. micro-qualifications and e-college).

I want Ireland to become a leader in the development of practical AI capability and digital skills. To develop AI literacy and help people understand and use AI effectively, my Department's officials, SOLAS, and the National Skills Council worked together to develop AIReady.ie. That platform features four free, non-technical short online courses to support upskilling and future-proof Ireland’s workforce for an AI driven economy. My officials are working on the next phase of the initiative with the intent of offering signposted courses for different user profiles.