Fall in applications for engineering courses
A report by an expert group on Ireland's future skills needs has highlighted a fall in the number of school-leavers applying for third-level engineering and technology courses.
The report warned that the continuation of this trend would have serious implications for the future development of Irish industry and, by extension, the Irish economy.
Dr Danny O'Hare, the chairman of the expert group, said much of Ireland's economic development since the 1980s was built on its supply of engineering graduates.
The group's report advised the Government, state agencies, educational institutes and employers to improve the funding and marketing of engineering courses in an effort to address the matter.
The report also called for a review of how engineering courses currently operate.
