The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science have launched the 2023 European Year of Skills in Ireland alongside publication of the OECD review of Ireland Skills Strategy.

Findings from the OECD include:

• Participation in lifelong learning to facilitate essential reskilling and upskilling in Ireland, while above the EU average, falls behind other top EU performers
• Irish employers express significant concern about labour and skills gaps
• Significant investment in skills, including supports for management capabilities and adoption of high performance work practices, is essential to ensure that SMEs across Ireland can increase productivity, innovation and competitiveness

OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann commented on the findings of the report, stating:

“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."

The OECD report can be viewed here. Dublin Chamber is in the process of developing a formal response to the findings of this report, which will be shared shortly.