Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
22. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide details on job losses and displacement linked to the introduction of artificial intelligence and automation technologies in Cork county; the sectors most affected to date; the targeted income, retraining and social protection supports that are in place or planned for workers whose employment is at risk as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31333/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile statistics on jobs losses and displacement linked to the introduction of artificial intelligence and automation technologies in Cork are not available, my Department continues to monitor the impact of emerging technologies, and the exposure of certain sectors and demographics.
The latest volume of the Department of Finance’s Economic Insights series found preliminary data suggesting that AI may have influenced employment patterns in Ireland, as employment growth in ‘at risk’ sectors was weaker than that in less exposed sectors over the past two years.
However, the Department of Finance analysis states that it may be premature to attribute these employment adjustments solely to increased AI adoption in Ireland, as it is difficult to separate out its impact, if any, from other factors such as seasonal and cyclical effects and geopolitical developments. In this respect the current international economic uncertainty is likely to be playing a role in the employer recruitment decisions including with respect to graduate recruitment.
The analysis also pointed out that, to the extent that AI is impacting employment levels, its impact, if any, is currently related to hiring and entry rather than displacement of existing workers.
In the event of an increase in unemployment, my Department stands ready to support jobseekers with financial supports to avoid a ‘cliff edge’ in terms of income and employment services ensuring a smooth re-entry to work.
Jobseekers Pay-Related Benefit, which I introduced in 2025, is available to those who lose their job and meet the eligibility conditions. This scheme provides a maximum weekly payment of €450 which will help people during this period of uncertainty while they seek new employment.
When a person moves onto a jobseeker payment, the Intreo Employment Services team works with the individual, offering individualised, one-to-one support, focusing on what they need to assist them to re-enter the workforce.
Recognising the importance of upskilling and reskilling in situations of displacement, my Department provides a number of supports to encourage the uptake of educations and training for jobseekers. These may include:
• the Part Time Education Option (PTEO) which can allow jobseekers to pursue part-time education or training courses, and the Education Training and Development (ETD) option which allows jobseekers to attend short training and development courses while retaining their jobseeker’s payment.
• Jobseekers can avail of the Back to Education Allowance, which supports them in pursuing full-time further or higher education courses.
• If a lack of required skills or certifications poses barriers to accepting a job offer, the Training Support Grant of up to €1,000 per year provides access to immediate skills training or certification courses.
