Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
57. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on the findings of the recent presentation by his Department, entitled The emerging impact of AI on employment patterns in Ireland; the targeted measures his Department is considering to support younger and future generations of employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48117/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra74. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with colleagues across Government regarding investment in STEM and STEAM education, digital skills and innovation programmes at local authority level (details supplied); his views on whether such investment is necessary to future-proof employment opportunities for younger generations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48118/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 74 together.
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly moving from development into real-world deployment, and as one of Europe’s most digitally advanced economies, Ireland is likely to be at the forefront of these changes.
There is now tentative evidence that these technologies may be impacting on some parts of the labour market.
In this regard, my Department has been active in assessing the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Irish economy. My Department’s latest Economic Insight publication, published in February, suggests that AI is already influencing employment patterns in Ireland. Since 2023, sectors that are relatively exposed to AI have experienced weaker employment growth relative to less-exposed sectors, with these effects strongest among younger workers in highly digitised sectors. These findings are consistent with the emerging international literature.
At the same time, we know that AI presents significant opportunities to enhance productivity and strengthen our competitiveness. Indeed, my Department’s Future Forty publication emphasised the importance of delivering improvements in our productivity through the application and development of digital technologies, including AI.
Importantly, Ireland has a strong supply of STEM talent to meet a growing demand for AI and digital skills. Ireland has the highest share of STEM graduates per capita in the EU and ranks 5th amongst EU Member States in terms of the share of ICT specialists in the workforce.
This Government is committed to ensuring that Ireland will continue to be a global leader in the development and adoption of new digital technologies. Our new National Digital and AI Strategy, published in February of this year, sets out a whole-of-Government approach to drive the adoption of trustworthy, person-centred AI for our collective good. That means equipping our workforce with cutting edge skills, strengthening digital literacy and public trust, and helping workers navigate potential job displacement through agile, and accessible upskilling and reskilling opportunities.
Government also recognises the fundamental importance of digital as a transversal skill and the need to equip all graduates, irrespective of their level and field of study, with digital skills, including AI skills. The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science will be launching a new Roadmap for Technology Skills of the Future later this year which will set out our ambitions in this regard.
In summary, a holistic, whole-of-Government approach is needed to ensure that Artificial Intelligence is a force for good, and that those workers who may be displaced by these technologies are able to transition to alternative, well-paid employment in other areas of the economy.
