Tony McCormack (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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244. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being taken to address skills shortages identified in the National Skills Strategy, particularly in the areas of green technologies and digital transformation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22108/26]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The 2016 publication 'Ireland's National Skills Strategy 2025' did not identify skills shortages in the areas of green technologies and digital transformation.

The report provided an overview of Ireland's education and training system and promoted the role of employer input, the use of regional structures and the importance of lifelong learning.

The Strategy ran to 2025 and work is underway to develop a successor framework which will assess provision for identified skills needs including in the areas of green tech and digital transformation.

However, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department already supports several initiatives to meet the challenges and skills needs of the green transition – from developing transferable green skills for life through to specific requirements for emerging green sectors such as Near Zero Energy Buildings/ Retrofit, eMobility, sustainability, renewable energy and offshore wind. Education and Training Boards provide NZEB/ Retrofit training in a network of six Centres of Excellence, including at the National Construction Training Campus in Co. Offaly. The Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy provides a wide range of short, targeted, and industry-aligned upskilling and reskilling programmes for the renewable energy sector.

I am keenly aware of the importance of digital skills for our economy and note the recent publication of Digital Ireland- the national digital and AI strategy. My Department is working on empowering people to thrive in a digital economy and society, through responsive, inclusive digital and AI skills and literacy opportunities. Micro-credentials are available through the 16 ETBS and today I launched AI Ready an AI Skilling Platform and a nationwide digital and AI skilling campaign. My Department will also be developing a digital Statement of Ambition and a Roadmap for Technology Skills of the Future to support individuals, businesses, NGOs and public sector organisations in their own digital transformations.