Dr. Muiris O'Connor:

I cannot give a definitive update on the target. Work is ongoing between the HEA and the expert group on future skills needs to assess our progress in that regard. On the basis of an initial analysis, I am confident that we are on target. In fact, we may exceed the target. However, we are not concerned. As Dr. Murphy observed, there is a significant unmet demand. The employment outcomes for graduates are good. We will keep an eye on this issue.

In addition to assessing the output of graduates, the expert group is taking stock of industry's ICT skills.

It is striking that the ICT graduates are in very high demand, not just in the ICT sector but throughout the economy and that may result in a recalibration of the target.

Dropout is an issue that affects computer science studies in higher education systems in Ireland and elsewhere more than most. It is the area where we had the highest rate of dropout when we looked at the issue in the progression report in 2009. There are a number of reasons including a hangover from the dot-com boom and the drop in entry points being the most critical. We are very confident that the very steep escalation in CAO entry points for computer courses will lead directly to improved outcomes. The motivation of students has been greatly enhanced by the employment opportunities of which people are now more generally aware.

There is no blockage since last Friday's announcement of further places in the ICT skills-conversion programme. The Springboard courses will run again in 2013 with at least the same scale as in 2012. That will result in a further 2,000 additional ICT graduates in 2014 and 2015. That will encompass the full range of qualifications from level 6 to level 9.