Report predicts growth for Irish IT sector

A report suggests that there is room for more growth in Ireland's high-tech industry, despite the recent downturn in fortunes for the IT sector.

The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs is calling for a £130m investment in information technology over five years. It's recommending extra part-time courses for the workforce, improved facilities and more research training.

Chairman of the Expert Group, Danny O'Hare says, despite the worldwide high-tech downturn, it's not money down the drain.

"Whether it's a glitch or whether it's a bust, the history of the IT sector is that it always returns to even higher growth rates and stronger performance and we'd be very foolish betting on anything else other than that," he said.

He added: "It's estimated that there will be an annual shortfall of about 2,500 professionals and 800 technicians between 2001-2005."