30. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding any engagement he has had with the major tech companies that are operating in Ireland in relation to the ever-changing jobs market due to AI technology changes and the impact it may have on their Irish workforce. [66649/26]

The FDI Technology sector is a key economic driver for the economy in Ireland, and I engage regularly with companies in the sector.

The sector has undergone a period of sustained growth for over 20 years driven by innovation and technology developments in microelectronics, cloud computing, software as a service, cyber security and artificial intelligence (AI) as well as in networking and communications technologies, including in 5G. Technology is now pervasive across all business sectors including for example life sciences, industrial, healthcare, and automotive.

AI has the potential to significantly reshape labour markets, with implications for productivity, job creation, competitiveness, and the nature of skills demand across all sectors of the economy. Recent evidence suggests that employment growth in more AI-exposed sectors has moderated, highlighting the importance of monitoring labour market trends as AI adoption increases. While AI offers significant opportunities to enhance efficiency, support innovation, and create new forms of employment, it also presents challenges that must be carefully managed, including the need for ongoing skills development, workforce adaptation, and inclusion.

The Government’s recently published National Digital and AI Strategy, Digital Ireland: Connecting Our People, Securing Our Future, sets out a clear and ambitious roadmap for Ireland’s digital transformation and AI adoption in the years ahead. The strategy recognises the growing importance of digital technologies in driving economic growth, enhancing public services, supporting innovation, and improving the quality of life for citizens. At Government level, there is a strong commitment to supporting this transition and ensuring that the benefits of digitalisation and AI are shared across society, so that no business, worker, or individual is left behind as these technologies continue to evolve.

In August, the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) published a paper entitled ‘The Irish Labour Market and AI in 2026’ which noted a marked rise in AI usage across the economy but with an uneven pace of adoption across enterprises and individuals. The research also highlighted how the Irish labour market is a global front runner in respect of AI both in terms of demand and supply. This research followed another EGFSN report published last year, also on AI and the labour market, and I would also note there are other projects underway within my department that will be informative in respective of AI and the labour market and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Recognising these challenges and opportunities, the National Digital and AI Strategy includes a range of measures to strengthen Ireland’s digital capabilities and support enterprise adoption of AI to enhance productivity and competitiveness. Given the pace of technological change, continued workforce adaptation will be required, including the development of new skills and roles. Government commitments in this area include expanding access to flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities, implementing a national digital and AI skilling campaign, developing a Technology Skills of the Future Roadmap, and establishing a National Skills Observatory to support evidence-based policy development in relation to AI and employment.

In this regard, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is working collaboratively across the skills ecosystem to ensure that education and training provision is aligned with labour market demands, including supporting those most exposed to technological change to develop relevant and future-focused skills.

Finally, I would highlight that the need for tech skills across the entire industrial base remains strong and that the demand for highly skilled qualified talent, continues to outstrip supply. Ireland’s commitment to innovation coupled with a skilled workforce and a favourable business environment continues to offer a compelling proposition for prospective investors. Furthermore, as the global economy evolves, Ireland’s adaptability and commitment to sustainability positions the country as an attractive destination for businesses seeking stability and growth.