79. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding any Department-led initiative in relation to future proof employment legislation in the ever-changing jobs market due to AI technology changes. [66645/26]

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. I recognise the growing importance of digital technologies in driving economic growth, enhancing public services, supporting innovation, and improving citizens’ quality of life. 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.

I recognise that 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. While AI offers significant opportunities to enhance efficiency, support innovation, and create new forms of employment, I am also mindful that it presents challenges that must be carefully managed, including the need for ongoing skills development, workforce adaptation, and inclusion.

I note that recent evidence suggests employment growth in more AI-exposed sectors has moderated, highlighting the importance of monitoring labour market trends as AI adoption increases.

In August, the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) published a paper on this very topic. I note that this work, The Irish Labour Market and AI in 2026, identified a marked rise in AI usage across the economy, but also an uneven pace of adoption among enterprises and individuals. The research also highlighted that the Irish labour market is a global front-runner in AI, in terms of both demand and supply. This research followed another EGFSN report, published last year, on AI and the labour market.

I would also point to several other projects underway within my Department that will help inform our understanding of AI, the labour market, and the challenges ahead.

The EGFSN is funding a project on Skills for Digital Specialists 2030. I expect this report to be published in the coming weeks. It will identify skills needs and gaps for ICT and digital specialists, including those relating to AI.

The EGFSN has also co-funded a new Working in Ireland Survey on the Irish labour market, being conducted by UCD. Research outputs from this extensive all-island study are now becoming available, and work on AI and the labour market was published in August.

Recognising these challenges and opportunities, I am advancing the range of measures set out in the National Digital and AI Strategy to strengthen Ireland’s digital capabilities and support enterprises in adopting AI to enhance productivity and competitiveness. Given the pace of technological change, I recognise that 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 evolving landscape, I believe it is essential that workers are supported and protected. Ireland has a robust suite of employment rights legislation that safeguards workers and promotes fair treatment in the workplace. These protections continue to apply regardless of whether AI or other advanced technologies are used in employment settings. Employment legislation is under continuous review to ensure that it remains effective, robust, and fit for purpose in the face of technological change.