Mr. Reuban Murray:

I thank the Chair and members for inviting us here today. It is important that young people are at the centre of Ireland's debate on AI. Meetings like this play an essential role in that. The public conversation around artificial intelligence can often focus on how younger generations stand to benefit the most from this technology. However, it is emerging that the opposite might be the case. The Government’s own research has shown that young people are the most exposed to the adoption of AI in the labour market. In some sectors, recruitment is down by as much as 13%. One in three young people is turning to AI chatbots for social interaction and relationships, a trend that reflects the massive impact of Covid-19 on this cohort’s social development. We are also watching AI widen the digital divide as youth from poorer backgrounds are far less likely to use AI tools for learning or to help with school. Issues like these cause NYCI to have some real worries about AI and its impacts on the lives of young people but to paint artificial intelligence as some dangerous technology we must avoid or shrink away from is foolhardy. We see massive benefits for the use of AI within the youth work sector. We believe youth workers can play a critical role in supporting young people to respond to and benefit from artificial intelligence. That is why NYCI, with the support of Research Ireland, has undertaken the Empowering Young People through AI, Data and Emerging Technologies Project alongside DCU Insights and the Office of the Ombudsman for Children. As part of this project, we have three strands. In the first strand, we are operating a series of citizens' juries, a scaled-down model of a citizens' assembly. We are bringing together 48 young people across six juries to debate and consider key topics in artificial intelligence. We would welcome the chance to present the findings of the juries to the committee once they have been concluded and give members the chance to hear directly from those jurors. We are also working with Microsoft Dreamspace to develop an AI education programme, much like what was raised by Grace and Fionn, so we can ensure young people across society are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in an AI world. Critically, this education programme is to be delivered by youth services, not within schools. Turning to youth workers, we are working to develop a CPD programme to equip our youth sector to deal with the challenges AI presents for young people and also to equip youth workers to benefit from AI and use it in their work.

On a final note, there is sometimes a great misperception about the role of youth work in addressing the challenges of society, as in the case of AI. Youth work gives young people the space and skills to develop as young adults, gives them a chance to address the challenges or obstacles they face and creates a place to find a different kind of support outside of schools. Across the country, youth workers are at the front line of guiding these young people. If we want to see a comprehensive response to this technology, we must better invest in youth work.