The government has launched plans to try and fill nearly 45,000 jobs in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector over the next four years.

Thousands of such jobs go un-filled here because of a lack of qualified people.

An extra 1,250 college places every year are being rolled out, along with more visas and attempts to get Irish emigrants with tech skills to return home.

Almost 2,000 work permits a year will be issued to those with ICT skills.

The plan aims to meet 74% of industry demands domestically for ICT professionals by 2018 - up from 45% in 2011 and 60% now.

Today's plan sets out additional targets to build on the Action Plan for Jobs. An Expert Group on Future Skills Needs has predicted that there will be a total
of 44,500 job openings in the ICT sector over the period.

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn says this is an area we can excel in. While Jobs Minister Richard Bruton believes the skills needed will transform the sector.