Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
68. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the legislative measures he is planning to implement to ensure that artificial intelligence adaptation does not lead to job loses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13129/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraHarnessing the benefits of AI is essential to future-proof industries and maintain our global competitiveness.
I am acutely aware of the concerns regarding the impact of AI on jobs. Historically, every significant technological advance brings changes to the labour market and leads to the emergence of new types of roles. Artificial Intelligence will be no different in that regard.
The development of new capabilities and capacities in the workforce will be necessary. Government’s main focus is to ensure that workers are supported to adapt to technological change and to make the most of the new opportunities that AI will create.
Recent research from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) reports that AI adoption in Ireland is accelerating, with demand for AI roles and usage doubling since 2023, highlighting strong labour-market dynamism. It found that Ireland is relatively more exposed to AI-related disruption than other advanced economies, with exposure and complementarity to AI increasing in line with educational attainment, and female workers and younger workers more likely to work in exposed roles. The research states that Ireland’s enterprise sector and workforce are adapting rapidly to AI, with strong demand for AI skills matched by solid supply. While the report finds that AI is likely to augment many existing roles, it also notes that the overall impact on employment levels is less clear-cut, and continued monitoring is essential.
Last week Government published an updated National Digital and AI Strategy, setting out a clear roadmap for Ireland’s digital and AI adoption. It includes a priority to support workers in managing the impacts of potential job displacement by ensuring access to agile, high-quality upskilling and reskilling opportunities.
A key proposal within the Strategy is the establishment of a National Skills Observatory by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. It is envisaged that this will transform our skills intelligence landscape and provide a more joined up approach to data gathering and use. The Observatory will act as a central repository for labour market and skills information in Ireland, facilitating improved workforce planning, stronger policy and decision-making, and improved lifelong learning and workforce reskilling, among other benefits.
This new resource will provide valuable insights into AI-related labour market trends and skills needs, supporting the development of effective national AI and jobs policy in the years ahead.
Legislation is not considered to be an effective approach to the potential risk of job displacement, given the dynamic nature of technological change and the potential unintended consequences for innovation, competitiveness and ultimately job creation.
