Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for that comprehensive answer. I certainly welcome many of the moves. The engagement with Comhairle na nÓg and with young people will be particularly welcomed. It is important it would be as inclusive as possible to ensure young people understand AI and avail of its opportunities. This is a challenge for wider society. It will transform all of our lives. For anybody involved in driving or delivery of goods or persons, there is a risk a significant element of their tasks will be replaced over the next decade. We must consider how we can upskill all those individuals.

It is important some of the suggestions of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs on specific apprenticeships and for an online course to be made available for all citizens would be implemented. We need to build public trust in this technology. The Minister of State’s approach has been correct to date but I worry that this, as is the case with many technologies, is frequently discussed within a bubble. I suggest that in the roll-out of new technologies perhaps briefings for Members of the Oireachtas could be useful. It is a challenge for Deputies, Senators and others to understand the scope and opportunity of what is coming down the line. It would be of benefit for us to be able to understand the full detail of how AI operates and the potential challenges and opportunities it presents.