Dr. Muiris O'Connor:

An ICT foresight group involving industry and academics is overseeing the implementation of the ICT action plan. There is not an equivalent group in the food and drinks sector but we are aware of the employment opportunities in that industry through their feeding into the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. Those opportunities featured in and informed the allocations under Springboard where there are many opportunities for skills conversion and training at levels and in skills relevant to those industries. We are also confident the growing appetite for science, technology and engineering courses reflected in the CAO will provide sustainable workers for the food industry and the opportunities that will exist in the coming years.