George Lawlor (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am sharing time with Deputy Ahern. I am delighted to contribute to this important debate, which is one that my county colleague, Deputy Malcolm Byrne, has been seeking for some time. I am delighted to be a part of the discussion on a topic that is reshaping our world at an unprecedented pace. As we navigate this transformative era, it is crucial that we harness the power of AI not just for profit but for the greater good of our businesses, economy and society as a whole.

We in the Labour Party recognise the potential benefits of AI and believe that new technology should be embraced. Crucially, though, AI must be seen to be used as a tool to improve people's working lives and not just to replace them. A robust regulatory framework is crucial. It is essential that regulators are well-resoured to handle compliance efficiently and to establish Ireland as a leader in AI governance. We must ensure that workers benefit from each new technological breakthrough. One of the key challenges will be to ensure that a system is in place to allow the gains of AI advancement and proliferation to be fairly distributed rather than being concentrated at the top.

Al in the workplace must benefit workers as much as it benefits businesses. It cannot be treated simply as a tool to increase margins. A human-centric, rights-based approach must be adopted. A recent OECD report found that workers are more likely to report positive impacts of Al in the workplace if there has been a consultation process through their trade unions. Workers' voices must be heard as Al increasingly permeates our workplaces. We must be cognisant of the fact that Al is already creating technological displacement, where workers' jobs are becoming automated, and will inevitably continue to become so. Investment in continuous professional development, lifelong learning and a strong social protection system will be key to mitigating the negative effects. It is absolutely vital that the human in control principle is incorporated into law at the EU level.

We must also harness the enormous benefits and opportunities provided by Al, such as in speeding up diagnosis and treatment in healthcare settings and in liberating workers from mundane or unpleasant tasks. We in the Labour Party are concerned about the growth in monitoring through Al applications and in work surveillance. The use of Al and algorithmic management must be regulated and its use in recruitment, remuneration and day-to-day supervision must be limited. Statutory protections against such practices must be introduced.

Whether it is ordering a takeaway, getting shopping delivered or a taxi home from a night out, online platforms have transformed the way we live. Platform work must be regulated in line with the EU platform work directive, and gig and platform workers must have access to information about their pay. The Government must legislate to ensure transparency in algorithmic management and to recognise platform workers as full employees, not contractors, and afford them all the associated benefits and protections.

The inclusive transformation of our public services and economy through the benefits of digitalisation and Al are vital. The removal of the digital divide and the embedding of AI skills and innovation to position Ireland as a global leader are also vital. We proposed and believe there should be a stand-alone Department of digital and communications, to include AI, initially paired with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science under one Minister. We must strive to position Ireland as a leader in all aspects of the digital transformation, from skills to chips, cloud computing to Al. It is our belief that the State must proactively invest in artificial intelligence applications through the strategic investment and development bank. The rights of creators and copyright must be respected as provided for in the EU Al Act and controls must be placed on the creation and use of deepfakes, and the protection of the democratic process from the abuse and misuse of Al in the electoral process is absolutely imperative. Maintaining online trust in all digital processes is essential to our social, political and economic futures. Safeguarding our information in a world where AI is ever-growing is of vital concern and we believe that an independent review of the Data Protection Commission to investigate the measures needed to strengthen and reform its functions, and ensure it is adequately resourced and proactive in enforcing EU AI rules, is essential.

There is little doubt that maximising Al for our greater good requires a collective effort. To ensure this happens, it is imperative that we embrace the transformative power of Al in business, the economy and society. Strengthening these areas will also underpin future growth in areas such as financial services and intellectual property management, which rely on a strong technological framework and secure networks. Let us decide to prioritise ethical practices, invest in education and reskilling, and use and leverage Al to solve complex challenges. If we do this, we can ensure that Al serves as a tool for progress, innovation and equity. It is up to all of us to shape artificial intelligence in a way that benefits everyone.

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