Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This question was asked by Members of the Opposition earlier today. It is a very good question and is an issue we are working on. The matter of upgrading skills is a matter for the Department of Education and Skills but we work very closely with it on this matter to outline the skills shortages that exist in the workplace at present. We are working together with third level institutions and multinational companies, and within my Department, to outline exactly what skills shortages exist. The future of work is changing. Digital technology is rapidly changing the way in which we do things and the type of companies we are attracting into Ireland are embracing the technology that already exists. I am talking about robotics, artificial intelligence, drone technology, virtual reality and artificial reality. Those areas are very much a part of what the future of Ireland will be based on. We want to embrace that technology and are putting a particular emphasis on ensuring that we have a skilled workforce. We are working with the multinational companies. The education system is changing as we ensure that more apprenticeships are being offered by companies. There is a lot happening, which is why we are the fastest growing economy in Europe and why we are a magnet for attracting FDI into the country. That will continue into the future. Last week I held the Digital 9 meeting in Dublin to outline exactly what we are doing to embrace the technology and ensure our third level institutions are open to that.

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