Minister Lawless warns of “Critical Skills Turning Point” as he launches National Skills Roundtable
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Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, today formally launched the first National Skills Roundtable, warning that Ireland is now at a “critical turning point” as AI, automation and rapid technological change reshape the skills the country will need for the future.
The Roundtable, chaired by Minister Lawless and held in TU Dublin, Grangegorman, brought together leading employers, industry bodies and education partners to examine how Ireland can remain competitive and resilient amid accelerating technological and economic change.
Speaking after the event, Minister Lawless delivered a clear message on the scale of the challenge and the need for decisive action:
"Ireland’s economic success has always been built on the strength of its people. But we are now experiencing the fastest period of technological disruption in a generation. With that disruption comes both opportunity and challenge.
"Advances in areas such as AI are transforming industries in real time, automation is reshaping job roles, and the skills required to succeed are evolving faster than ever.
"Ireland is at a critical turning point. Our competitiveness, our innovation capacity and our long‑term economic resilience will depend on whether we invest now, not later, in the skills of our people.
"That is why I have convened this National Skills Roundtable: to show leadership, to bring Government and industry together at pace, and to ensure Ireland is not only ready to respond to these changes, but positioned to lead within them."
The Roundtable marks the beginning of a national programme of structured, high‑level engagements focused on ensuring Ireland has the right skills for a rapidly changing economy. It will examine how AI, digital transformation, new technologies and evolving work practices are reshaping the skills required across every sector - and identify the actions needed now to future‑proof the workforce.
Minister Lawless continued:
"This is about taking ownership of Ireland’s future skills approach. We must build a workforce that can adapt quickly, compete globally and continue to make Ireland a destination for innovation, investment and high‑quality jobs.
"I welcome the opportunity to engage directly with employers and sector leaders - to hear firsthand the challenges they face today and the skills they will need tomorrow."
In the months ahead, Roundtable members and officials from DFHERIS will participate in targeted deep‑dive sessions, with further sector‑specific engagements planned for 2026 to explore strategic areas in detail.
Insights gathered through the series will directly shape future national skills policy, inform investment priorities and support long‑term workforce planning. Businesses will be encouraged to share practical, on‑the‑ground evidence to ensure Ireland’s response remains grounded, dynamic and responsive.