Paul Duffy: Irish competitiveness depends on investment into skills

Persistent underinvestment in higher education threatens to erode the quality of our education system

Another pressing issue is the inclusion of those currently distanced from the labour market. This includes the long-term unemployed, people with disabilities, members of the traveller community, migrants, refugees, and others who have been unable to engage in the workforce. File picture: iStock

Having spent over three decades in the biopharmaceutical industry, I've had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable transformation of this sector in Ireland and with business representative group Ibec, I have seen similar transformations replicated across many sectors, by both Irish and international firms. 

This evolution of numerous companies in Ireland is a testament not only to technological advancements but also to the talent, resilience, and ambition of the Irish workforce.