Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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281. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps his Department have taken to mitigate job losses, job displacement, and lower levels of new recruitment due to the adoption of artificial intelligence, as reported (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40701/25]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the concerns and recent media coverage on the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on jobs. Much of the independent research available to date indicates that AI has been augmenting rather than replacing jobs.

AI is evolving rapidly, and it is too early to predict with accuracy the full impact that AI will have on the labour market, but what is clear is that the structure of work will change and new types of jobs will emerge. To address this, and as outlined in the National AI Strategy Refresh 2024, we are investing in AI education, skills, and talent development with a focus on upskilling and reskilling workers to meet the demand for evolving job roles.

I agree with the AI Advisory Council that an Irish AI Observatory would greatly assist government to develop and implement national AI priorities, including jobs policy, in the years ahead. An AI Observatory could deliver invaluable real-time data and insights on a wide range of AI metrics in Ireland, including labour market dynamics and skills needs. It is planned to include this in the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity which is currently being developed.

My Department has also commissioned research, along with the ESRI and National Competitiveness and Productivity Council, on the potential impacts of AI on key sectors of the Irish economy. We will report on the results of the research later this year.

We will continue to engage with key stakeholders, including the National Economic and Social Council and the Labour Employer Economic Forum, to ensure a fair transition of the world of work.

Harnessing the benefits of AI is essential for Ireland to future-proof our industries and remain globally competitive.

Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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282. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department is collecting or tracking any data on labour displacement due to artificial intelligence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40702/25]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is clearly a transformative force that holds immense potential for our economy and society. Harnessing the benefits of AI is essential for Ireland to future-proof our industries and remain globally competitive.

Equally, AI is a disruptive technology and I am acutely aware of the concerns regarding the impact of AI on the labour market and the recent media coverage and reports on job displacement because of AI.

My Department has commissioned research, along with the ESRI and National Competitiveness and Productivity Council, on the potential impacts of AI on key sectors of the Irish economy. We will report on the results of the research later this year.

What is clear is that development of new capabilities and capacities in the workforce will be necessary as it is very likely that new types of jobs will emerge.

Government’s priority is to ensure our workers are reskilled and upskilled as the demand for new skills sets emerges. Another key focus is to continue to support enterprises of all sizes in adopting AI as a tool to enhance efficiency, drive productivity growth, and strengthen competitiveness.

Our ambition is that AI adoption will result in more productive workplaces, where workers are empowered by AI tools, but not replaced.

We will engage with key stakeholders, including the National Economic and Social Council and the Labour Employer Economic Forum, to ensure a fair transition of the world of work.