25. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department has assessed the implications of recent CSO findings which indicate significant differences in AI understanding across age groups, genders and regions; and the actions being taken to ensure equitable access to AI-related opportunities throughout the State. [66698/26]

I am aware of the report referred to by the Deputy, including the findings on familiarity levels with artificial intelligence.

My Department has engaged with a broader programme of analysis on the implications of AI for the Irish economy and labour market, including papers from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), and analysis from UCD through its Working in Ireland Survey 2025.

The EGFSN paper notes a marked rise in AI usage across the economy with Ireland generating AI jobs at 2-3 times the pace of peer countries. Ireland also ranks 2nd in the EU for AI Skills and 2nd for how widely AI is being used across the economy. However, the research also shows that there is an uneven pace of adoption across enterprises and individuals.

The recently published Working in Ireland Survey 2025 reveals that while adoption of AI among workers is substantial and above EU averages, adoption is unequal and is strongly divided by education, occupation, gender, earnings and firm size.

This body of research underlines the importance of investment in AI literacy, skills development, digital inclusion and responsible AI deployment to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared across society and the economy.

That is why the National Digital and AI Strategy commits to ensuring all groups in society are supported and empowered to embrace AI adoption, foster digital skills, and build societal trust and AI literacy.

A major milestone has been the establishment of the AI Office of Ireland in July, as the central coordinating body for implementation of the EU AI Act. One of its key functions is to launch an AI Literacy campaign within the next 12 months. AI literacy enables citizens make informed use of AI, while being aware of both its benefits and the potential harms. This is a critical building block to maximise the extent to which all parts of society can benefit from AI.

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (D/FHERIS) is progressing a number of initiatives. A new national online AI skilling platform, AIReady.ie, has been launched. Initial content focuses on foundational AI literacy and practical digital capability. The Age-Friendly AI training programme, which is funded by Research Ireland, is being rolled out in public libraries and aims to engage 60,000 older people in order to empower them to navigate the challenges and opportunities of AI.

Other planned measures include a nationwide Digital and AI skills campaign, a new National Skills Observatory and a National Conversation on AI - enabling people of all ages and backgrounds to help shape how these technologies are developed and used.

My Department will continue to promote the Charter for Digital Inclusion, bringing together public bodies, businesses and community organisations to address Ireland's digital divide. We have also worked with CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for AI, to develop an online AI literacy course “AI for You: Introduction to AI and the EU AI Act”, which is available free of cost.

Finally, the EU AI Act itself represents a landmark achievement - establishing the world's first comprehensive regulatory framework for AI systems. Central to this legislation is ensuring AI serves all citizens fairly, including the protection of their fundamental rights.