Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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65. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there will be an overall net gain or net loss of jobs in this country as a result of AI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62272/25]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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It is not possible at this stage to determine whether the number of new jobs created by AI will fully offset or exceed the number of jobs displaced, as the long-term impact will depend on multiple evolving factors. The pace and scale of AI’s impact varies for different sectors. It will also depend on how quickly industries adapt, how effectively workers are reskilled and upskilled, and how AI technologies evolve.

This was highlighted in the November 2025 report from Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) ‘AI and the Irish labour market’. The report emphasised that AI is likely to augment many existing roles, but the overall effect on employment levels is “less clear cut”. The report rightly notes Government must continue to monitor and address any risks AI may pose to our workforce.

My Department, with the ESRI and the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council, is undertaking research on the potential impacts of AI on key sectors of the Irish economy. The final report, due to be published in 2026, will help to inform evidence-based policymaking and ensure Ireland remains competitive and resilient in the face of rapid technological change.

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.

The Government is taking a strategic and proactive approach to ensure the workforce is equipped to harness the opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence. Through targeted investment in reskilling and upskilling initiatives, we aim to empower the workforce with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-enabled economy and to meet the demand for evolving roles.

The embedding of digital skills, including AI, in teaching and learning at school level will help to ensure that Ireland has a future oriented workforce and population with the skills to drive the development, deployment and use of AI to increase productivity and benefit society. This is reflected in the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027.