Ireland Approves AI Strategy, Warns 63% of Jobs Exposed, Plans EU Summit
Ireland's Cabinet approved an AI strategy, responding to job loss warnings. The Nesc report estimates 63% of Irish jobs are AI-exposed, with women and younger workers particularly vulnerable. Measures include an AI Office, an EU presidency summit, and initiatives for responsible AI development and skill-building.
Ireland's Cabinet approved a report by the National Economic Social Council (Nesc) on Tuesday, outlining measures for the safe and responsible development of AI. This follows Taoiseach Micheál Martin's warning last week about job losses and industry upheaval due to AI.
The Nesc report, chaired by John Callinan, estimates that «63 per cent of Irish employment lies in highly AI-exposed occupations,» particularly administrative and support roles. Women are disproportionately affected. The Department of Finance already notes weaker employment growth in AI-exposed sectors, especially for younger workers. The report also highlights challenges to democracy from AI-driven misinformation.
Key measures include establishing an AI Office of Ireland to coordinate EU AI Act regulation and hosting an international AI and digital summit during Ireland’s EU presidency. Other initiatives involve an AI advisory unit, a national AI fellowship program, campaigns to encourage business AI adoption, an «Observatory for Business AI Readiness,» and an «AI in Research» transformation program. A new «online one-stop-shop AI Skilling Platform» and a nationwide digital and AI skilling campaign are also planned.