A bursary system to encourage students to study ICT has been recommended in a Forfas report published today.
The study, carried out by the expert group on future skills needs (EGFSN), said the bursary could be part-funded by industry.
It has also called for bonus points in the Leaving Certificate for honours maths to "compensate for the greater effort considered to be required for the subject".
Improved maths teaching at primary and secondary level is a third key recommendation. The report notes that the sector accounts for one third of exports with sales of €50 billion. ICT companies employ over 70,000 people in the State.
Anne Heraty, chair of the EGFSN, said the number of high-level graduates needed to increase, those already working in the sector had to improve their skills and skilled professional had to be attracted into Irish-based ICT companies from overseas. She said "mathematical skill remains critical".
Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan said the ICT sector was strategically important to the Irish economy.
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