Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 June 2026
69. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department has estimated the number or proportion of jobs in the State that may be significantly altered, displaced or augmented by artificial intelligence technologies over the next ten years; the sectors expected to experience the greatest impact; and the measures being taken to prepare workers and employers for these changes. [44282/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department continually monitors labour market developments, including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), which is already evident and expected to intensify over time. Through the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), the Department has undertaken significant research in this area, including the paper How AI is Transforming the Irish Labour Market, published last year. This work highlighted the pace of AI adoption in Ireland, noting strong demand for AI roles alongside a robust supply of AI talent. It also found that AI-related jobs and usage have approximately doubled since 2023.
In addition, the EGFSN has commissioned a major study examining the demand for and supply of high-level ICT and digital specialists to 2030, including those working in AI and cybersecurity. This study, which is at an advanced stage and due for publication shortly, combines quantitative modelling and qualitative research. It includes forecasts under multiple scenarios, assessment of potential skills gaps, labour market analysis using sources such as CSO data, and international benchmarking.
The study examines the impact of emerging technologies, including AI, on specialist roles, focusing on how tasks, skills and competencies are changing and the implications for upskilling and reskilling. It includes specific analysis of AI skills needs, including generative AI, and considers how digital transformation is shaping demand within high-level ICT roles. It will identify future skills requirements and provide an indication of the scale and type of upskilling and reskilling needed, while assessing supply channels such as higher and further education, professional development and inward migration.
More broadly, the EGFSN is also supporting related research, including a forthcoming report on skills for digital specialists to 2030 and a new all-island “Working in Ireland” survey led by UCD, which will include analysis of AI and the labour market.
A report from the Department of Finance earlier this year finds that 63% of employment in Ireland is exposed to AI, with 33% in complementary roles and 30% in substitutable roles. Their analysis indicates that Ireland’s labour market is relatively exposed to AI due to its sectoral composition, particularly in ICT, financial and professional services, and suggests that employment growth in more AI-exposed sectors has recently moderated. Overall, the evidence suggests that AI-related adjustments are occurring primarily through reduced hiring and entry-level opportunities rather than large-scale job losses, though the latter will also sometimes occur.
The report states that “it may be premature to attribute these employment adjustments solely to AI-driven substitution effects in Ireland. Several highly AI-exposed sectors (particularly ICT) experienced rapid employment growth in the immediate post-pandemic period, followed by a subsequent slowdown in hiring as global economic conditions tightened.”
Government policy, in response, as set out in the National Digital and AI Strategy – Digital Ireland, Connecting our People, Securing our Future – places a strong emphasis on preparing both workers and employers for these changes through a comprehensive programme of skills, enterprise and innovation measures. Central to this is the Empower pillar, which aims to equip the workforce with cutting-edge skills and ensure access to agile upskilling and reskilling opportunities to help workers transition as roles evolve.
Key measures include the development of a Roadmap for Technology Skills of the Future (to be published in 2026) and the establishment of a National Skills Observatory, which will analyse labour market trends and identify emerging skills gaps, particularly those linked to AI and digital technologies. These will guide targeted investment in education and training programmes. In addition, a national online AI Skilling Platform is being introduced as a one-stop shop for individuals and employers, supported by a nationwide Digital and AI skilling campaign to increase awareness and participation.
For enterprise, the Strategy includes a targeted AI Adoption Strategy (2026), along with an Enterprise Ireland AI Adoption Roadmap, AI Sector Champions, and the establishment of an Observatory for Business AI Readiness (OBAIR). These measures are designed to support firms—particularly SMEs—in adopting AI technologies and building internal capabilities, complemented by training supports delivered through Skillnet Ireland, SOLAS and the European Digital Innovation Hubs.
Further supports include expanded investment in research and talent pipelines (including PhD training in AI), public sector training initiatives, and digital literacy programmes across all levels of education. Taken together, these measures are intended to ensure that workers can adapt to technological change while supporting employers to deploy AI in a productive and responsible manner.
