Launch of AIReady.ie
Minister Lawless Launches AIReady.ie to Upskill One Million People in AI
The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Skills, James Lawless TD, today launched AIReady.ie, the Government’s new national AI skilling platform, designed to provide people across Ireland with access to essential AI skills.
AIReady.ie enables anyone to learn the fundamentals of artificial intelligence through free, practical and bite‑sized online courses, allowing learners to engage flexibly, anytime and anywhere.
The platform has been developed by SOLAS, in partnership with the National Skills Council, and is designed to make learning about AI more accessible and inclusive. It supports people to develop in‑demand skills needed for work, study and everyday life, regardless of prior experience or technical background.
Current content focuses on building foundational AI literacy and practical digital capability. Initially, the platform will offer a series of four free, short courses tailored to older people, small businesses such as sole traders and farmers, and individuals returning to the workforce.
Each AIReady course takes less than 30 minutes to complete and can be accessed on a smartphone, tablet or laptop, allowing learners to build skills quickly and flexibly, wherever they are.
At the launch, Minister Lawless announced that the AIReady.ie initiative aims to upskill one million people in AI, representing one of the Government’s most ambitious responses to the rapid emergence and impact of artificial intelligence to date.
Speaking at today’s (12 noon on Thursday, April 23) launch at Dogpatch Labs, Minister Lawless said: “Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how we work, learn and live, and ensuring people are ready for that change is one of the most important challenges we face. I strongly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to understand AI and to use it with confidence.
We are now at a point where AI readiness is no longer optional – it is essential. Being ‘AI‑ready’ is about more than technology, it is about giving people the skills, confidence and understanding they need to participate fully in an AI‑enabled society.
AI skills are for everyone, not just experts or specialists. You do not need a technical background to begin, and AIReady.ie has been designed to show exactly that. It is about helping people feel ready to experiment, to learn, and to grow with AI at their own pace.”
Dr Kevin Marshall, Chairperson of the National Skills Council, said: “As Chair of the National Skills Council, I welcome the launch of AIready, which will support the development of AI skills. We know the biggest risk today isn’t AI, it’s being unprepared to use it”.
“We want people to feel like AI is accessible to them, regardless of their background or stage in life, and this new platform delivers exactly that – a simple entry point for anyone looking to start their journey with AI.” Dr Marshall said. “With the launch of AIready today, we are laying the foundations to build the AI skills our economy and society needs for the future.”
Deirdre McDonnell, CEO at SOLAS said: “The launch of AI Ready marks an important step in making AI skills accessible to everyone in Ireland. SOLAS is proud to have partnered with the Department and National Skills Council in developing this initiative, drawing on our experience in national skills provision to help shape and deliver the AI Ready platform.
AI Ready is about ensuring that everyone has access to foundational AI skills, providing a starting point for all, regardless of their background or experience.
By empowering people with these essential skills, we are laying the groundwork for lifelong learning and supporting future growth and progression.”
