It has been suggested that a digital skills crisis could threaten Ireland's economic growth.

A White Paper, published by the Code Institute, has said a shortage of digital skills is likely to have a "major impact" on the country's growth prospects over the coming years.

It shows how the issue is affecting not just organisations' recruitment efforts, but also their overall operating performance.

Jim Cassidy, Code Institute CEO explained: "The worldwide shortage of ICT talent that is threatening employment growth across the globe, is also a significant issue here in Ireland.

"Over the next two years an expected 12,000 jobs are to go unfilled in the Irish ICT sector, which will have a direct knock-on impact on productivity and growth."

According to the European Commission, Ireland currently has one of the lowest levels of basic digital skills in the EU.

We sit fifth last ahead of Italy, Cyprus, Romania and Bulgaria.

In contrast Luxembourg, Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Finland make up the top five.

The European Commission has said in the future, nine out of 10 jobs will require digital skills.

At the same time, 169 million Europeans between the ages of 16 and 74 - or 44% - do not have basic digital skills.

The Code Institute has said "significant" Government investment in the digitisation of education is needed.

A digital employee survey carried out as part of research for the White Paper revealed that while 66% of people have been offered training in their job, the vast majority (60%) found what was offered to be less than good.

A slight majority (53%) said they would move to another role if better training was offered, while a majority (60%) have had to use their own money to advance their learning and training.

The full document can be viewed here