Information Technology Has A Bright Future In Ireland Says New Report

Speaking at the launch of the report Tanáiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan, T.D. commented, "The ICT sector is of strategic importance to the Irish economy - representing one third of Ireland's total exports, sales of approximately €50 billion per annum and 70,000 skilled people employed.

"Ireland has proven itself as an excellent location for ICT companies with many of the world's top ICT companies already located here and taking advantage of Ireland's unique offering.

"This report from the Expert Group highlights clearly that the ICT sector can continue to provide opportunities and jobs for Ireland into the future.

"There are undoubtedly challenges for us in maximising these opportunities not least of which is ensuring that we can provide the graduate skills for the industry's development."

Also speaking at the launch Minister for Education and Science, Batt O'Keeffe, T.D., commented "Education will have a critical role to play in defining whether we can take advantage of the opportunities which this sector presents.

"We need to focus on ensuring that those coming through education and those currently in the workforce have the right skills for this evolving sector. The report by the EGFSN is a valuable contribution to the further development of policy in this regard."

Anne Heraty, Chairperson, EGFSN added that, "Our challenge is three-fold: we need to boost the supply of high level graduates, up skill those already working in the sector and continue to attract high skilled individuals through migration where necessary. The recommendations set out in this report are aimed at increasing the numbers studying in ICT related areas and attracting others to the industry with specific initiatives.

"Mathematical skill remains critical. The EGFSN report recommends that bonus points for higher level maths in the Leaving Cert should be reintroduced and that consideration should be given to introducing incentives for high performing students to enter and stay in ICT related disciplines. It is also important that a proactive approach is taken to encourage overseas ICT graduates to come to study and work in Ireland meet the expected shortfall in domestic supply.

"Implementation of recommendations outlined in this report will contribute to ensuring that the quality, quantity and diversity of skills required by the ICT industry are available in Ireland. Graduates alone will not meet the projected supply of highly skilled computer electronic engineers and we will have to work to ensure that through re-skilling and migration we meet those demands. We have an opportunity now to build on Ireland's profile as a location for highly skilled, high value ICT activities and maintain the important role of the ICT sector in our economy," she concluded.