It described the growing skills gap as a "major strategic threat" to the economy and called for the Government to unlock the National Training Fund to allow employers to prepare their workforce for the future. The survey found 70% of employers reported facing issues in recruiting over the previous 12 months, with difficulty increasing according to seniority. A further 80% of businesses reported facing skills gaps, where their existing or future workforce do not have the expertise required by industry. "Skills gaps are having a material impact on businesses by lowering productivity, impacting competitiveness, increasing costs, and stifling innovation," it states. With a €3bn surplus projected for the National Training Fund, there is no excuse for underinvestment, she added.

Source: Irish Examiner January 22, 2026 10:38 UTC