Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte, TD, said yesterday that Ireland needs to urgently address the shortfall in engineers if the country is to capitalise on opportunities in next-generation networks, emerging technologies and energy-efficient data centres.
Addressing the 12th International Federation for Information Processing/Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers International Symposium on Integrated Network Management, Rabbitte said engineers will be key to harnessing the creativity and vision needed for the future.
“Next-generation networks, emerging technology and energy-efficient data centres are all areas which are highly relevant to today’s conference, as well as timely for Ireland’s economic recovery,” Rabbitte said.
“These innovative solutions will be critical in addressing our economic challenges.
“Previous private and public sector investment has already ensured that Ireland is well placed and highly successful in attracting multinational ICT manufacturers, as well as companies like Google and Facebook. Continuation of this investment will mean continuation of economic benefits.
Digital skills – a national and global phenomenon
“If we are to take full advantage of this opportunity, it is vital that we address the shortfall of engineering graduates. The need for enhanced electronic engineering and digital skills is a global and national phenomenon.
“We have seen promising signs from Government initiatives which have lead to increased acceptance of university places for computing, science and engineering, something we must build on.”
In his concluding remarks, Rabbitte pointed to Ireland’s strong history of scholars in the fields of engineering and science.
The same expertise will help harness our creativity and vision to deliver sustainable solutions for the future, he said.
The minister noted that the hosting of this international conference and the TMForum in Dublin this week represent a vote of confidence in Ireland as a good place to do business and a centre for telecommunications activity and innovation in Europe.
