Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)

I welcome science week as an important moment for children at primary level, further and higher level students and our educators. This is a celebration of the achievements of science and the advances in rapid technological change. Science week promotes STEM and hands-on learning. It also inspires future scientists and creates curiosity in young minds, making science more accessible, and provides a platform to showcase how science can become a subject for young people to take up in their studies. I saw this first hand while visiting the Póstaeir san Oireachtas exhibit 2025.

This year's science week marks 30 years of collaboration to advance science in Ireland. Science week is a nationwide event with events involving industry, colleges, schools, libraries, teachers, researchers and students throughout Ireland. The theme then, today and tomorrow sparks a very important conversation about the future we want to build in this country.

The overlap between science and technology has really ramped up at an unprecedented rate with the development of AI. AI is becoming an essential part of scientific endeavour, and some of it is remarkable in its capabilities. It can analyse large and complex data that would be difficult for humans to spot. It can automate repetitive tasks in laboratories, such as liquid handling, incubation and imaging, making workflows more efficient and reliable, among many others.

We in Sinn Féin believe that science and technology must first and foremost be used in a responsible way and not be an opportunity to serve the interests of the few. While there may of course be benefits to AI, there is one that is really worth mentioning. AI companions like Hayley, as featured in a recent RTÉ news report, can really benefit those who are caring for loved ones at home. This new system involves AI and movement sensors, which could mean that future older populations may never have to enter nursing homes. While we celebrate AI advances of this nature, there is a need to ensure that AI language and systems are being taught at a high standard at third level. With the necessary equipment and infrastructure, future science researchers can effectively integrate these tools, ensuring that AI complements their area of expertise rather than replacing it. AI can be utilised as a working tool to enhance the effectiveness of laboratory work, assisting researchers to manage complex biological problems. There should be robust measures to ensure the technology is available for all students, not just the elite few.

Speaking broadly in terms of Ireland's economy, the knock-on effect of AI replacing workers is a very real and serious concern. Recent announcements that Amazon will lay off approximately 14,000 office workers globally, including staff in Ireland, largely due to increased investments in artificial intelligence means that at least 30 staff cuts in Ireland are planned. These layoffs are set to continue at a pace not seen previously. While AI technology continues to expand and evolve, there is a real concern that this can lead to very serious outcomes for third level graduates who face very insecure prospects due to the advancements of AI.

The Minister announced Government support for a major new initiative to boost Ireland's AI capacity by bidding to host a European AI factory antenna. Serious questions must be asked regarding his responsibility to be bidding for this when our graduates could struggle to find entry level employment because of these advancements. The long-term implications of overreliance on this technology, particularly for the future job security of our third level graduates, is a serious consideration. Irish start-ups and other businesses will fully benefit from the rapid development of AI innovation. What we must be aware of is that these technologies could in fact replace jobs in the various sectors.

From a climate perspective, we must also acknowledge there is a direct correlation between advancements in AI technology and its reliance on data centres that produce massive amounts of energy. Furthermore, this also means it will directly impact on Ireland's future housing supply, largely as a result of to the failure to invest in energy grid resilience. In 2015, data centres used 5% of Ireland's electricity. In 2023, they used 21%. It is well known that AI is a massive contributor to this usage. The rise in electricity use by data centres is outpacing new renewable electricity sources. This is concerning.

Additionally, the National Training Fund, which has a surplus of €1.8 billion that we are seeking to unlock, needs to be urgently invested. The outcome of this not happening is that some universities are posting financial deficits. Their infrastructure and research equipment also continues to fall into disrepair. Some institutes are using equipment that is not fit for purpose. Proper investment in science and research is needed in order that our future scientists can thrive and flourish because they are using state-of-the-art equipment that can propel their careers further. Ultimately, successive Governments have created funding deficits in the university sector that could threaten the viability of Irish universities.

I acknowledge that science week is an opportunity to bring together children, students, teachers and communities. However, we must hold the Government to account to ensure that jobs are protected, that our climate is protected and that AI does not become a threat but instead becomes an important tool to help, especially those who are most vulnerable in our society.

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