Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)

It falls to me to wrap up. I will make a couple of remarks. I thank the advisory council very sincerely for all the work it does. I share the view that AI is the most transformative technology. Just because the council holds that view does not necessarily mean it is entirely an advocate. I am conscious Mr. Blanchfield referenced Marx. In the same way, I view Marx as being one of the most impactful people on the 20th century. I am certainly not a Marxist, nor would I argue the case for Marxism, but I agree with his theory that the revolution would come when the tools of production were in the hands of the proletariat. This is what this technology has the ability to do. Depending on how it is used, to echo Senator Ruane's point, I agree that if the technology is used effectively in education, it can be quite transformative. It is not just about AI on its own. It is important that we link it to energy and other areas. Interestingly, and I am musing about the inception of this committee, Finland has a statutory Committee for the Future, which looks at big-picture future issues that impact on Finland, not just AI. It is something we could consider.

Part of it has to be, as Mr. Blanchfield referred to, the abundance theory that is coming down.

I might come back with a follow-up on Deputy Ó Cearúil's question, which is around everyone seeing this coming and how we upskill and get ready. My final question is for those who are just completing the leaving certificate now, or for those who may be new college graduates - particularly where they are a recent software graduate - what are the kinds of skills they need or how should they be equipping themselves? What should they be looking to do to be able to prepare for the changes we are going to see and are seeing?