The first of a series of investments in a new information technology training fund has been announced by the Minister for Education and Science, Dr Woods.
The Information Technology Skills Investment Fund was recommended by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs last July. Among its recommendations, was the investment of €165m to promote the development of third level provision for high level IT skills.
Today, the Minister announced an initial investment of €15 million for 2002 and the setting up of an expert team to oversee and administer the Fund.
The focus for the initial investment will be to maximising existing IT graduate potential and extending part time student opportunities.
Dr. Woods said, "to continue Ireland's strong performance in recent years in the IT industry, it is vital to ensure the continuing availability of a highly skilled labour force.
"... These important new measures will play a vital role in ensuring that the potential of existing third level IT programmes is realised and that a strategy for IT-related education is developed."