Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ireland’s goals in relation to digital skills were designed in line with the European Digital Decade, and are set out in our Harnessing Digital Strategy. I am pleased to say we are not only meeting but exceeding our targets. In the first instance we are excelling in the provision of highly skilled ICT graduates to support a digitised economy and maintain Ireland’s competitiveness. Our share of ICT graduates stands at 8.6%, over double the EU average of 3.9%.

In 2018 we set a target of increasing the numbers of ICT graduates to over 12,400 p.a, including apprentices and trainees. I’m delighted to say that this target was exceeded in 2021, with almost 15,000 learners exiting our tertiary systems. That is a testament to our efforts to adapt and sustain a flexible system of skills provision for all learners in the face of rapid digital transition.

The second overall target we set was for the development of basic digital skills - as measured by the Commission in its Digital Economy and Society Index – to reach 80% by 2030. The 2022 figures indicate that we’re performing well in meeting this target, with 70% of people having at least basic digital skills, compared to the EU average of 54%.

In responding to the OECD Review of Ireland’s Skills Strategy, I will continue to prioritise strengthening our digital skills ecosystem to ensure it has the agility and flexibility to keep adapting to changing priorities in workforce development and society’s digital skills needs.