Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
553. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is considering the introduction of supports for new graduates unable to obtain entry-level jobs in areas most affected by the adoption of artificial intelligence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73803/25]
View answerThe Intreo Service provides a single point of contact for jobseekers to access employment and income supports nationwide. There are a range of jobseeker payments available to people who are unemployed or who work part time, to support them while looking for work.
Intreo Employment Services provides an individualised employment support service to all jobseekers with the aim of ensuring that they have the support and guidance they need to help them to find sustainable employment, including employment advice, job search support, such as CV preparation and interview training, as well as referrals to upskilling/reskilling education and training programmes, both of short and longer duration, and job matching to suitable vacancies. In this regard, my Department has a range of employment support schemes, services and initiatives for both jobseekers and employers.
It is noted that the most recent Labour Force Survey (Q3 2025) shows that overall employment grew by 1.1% since quarter 3 2024 to reach its highest ever level of 2.825m. In addition, the monthly unemployment rate and the number of people on the Live Register both fell in November. This would suggest that the extent of the impact that the introduction of AI may have on overall employment levels is not yet evident.
Intreo Employment Services continues to engage with and support both employers and individuals to effectively respond to changing labour market conditions, keeping all schemes and services under ongoing review.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
