Employers in Ireland have significant concerns about labour and skills gaps, according to the OECD Ireland Skills Strategy Report, published by the Irish Government to kick off the 2023 European Year of Skills in Ireland. The report was launched earlier this month by Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and Niall Collins, Minister of State for Skills and Further Education.

The European Year of Skills was announced during the 2022 State of the Union address by European Commission President von der Leyen. It aims to achieve a fresh focus on upskilling, reskilling and continuous learning.

Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the OECD, said, “A strong focus on skills has been central to Ireland’s strong economic performance and improvements in well-being.

“However, there are significant challenges ahead with labour shortages, slowing productivity growth and the need to successfully navigate the skills implications of the green and digital transformation of our economies, while dealing with the impact of population ageing.

“Ireland can and must build on its strengths by better balancing skills demand and supply, by fostering greater participation in lifelong learning, leveraging skills to drive innovation, and strengthening skills governance.”

More information is available on the website of the Irish Government.