Ireland cannot adopt passive approach to AI in the workforce, Ibec warns Tánaiste

Business leaders spoke with Tánaiste Simon Harris on the importance of economic resilience for Cork within the context of technological disruption

Ibec's message to Tánaiste Simon Harris, second from left, was that Ireland is well-resourced to navigate this labour market transition through employer contributions to the National Training Fund. Picture: Gerard McCarthy Photography

Business representative body Ibec has told the Tánaiste Simon Harris that Ireland cannot adopt a passive approach to the transformative impact of AI on the workforce.

The minister for finance met with Ibec at its Cork office on Penrose Dock. The meeting came ahead of next month's national economic dialogue, which will inform much of the Government's budgetary decisions.

Among the key issues discussed by Ibec’s regional executive committee was the need to ensure Ireland does not adopt a passive approach to AI in the region. Business leaders spoke on the importance of economic resilience for Cork within the context of technological disruption and the impact of rising energy costs on inflationary pressures for both employers and employees.

Helen Leahy, the head of regional policy at Ibec, said: "The recent IMF report on Ireland indicated that up to 40% of jobs will be impacted by AI. In reality, 100% of jobs will be impacted given the profound technological shift we are experiencing in real time. Everyone from Cork’s largest businesses in life sciences, food, and technology, right down to SMEs will be affected."

Ibec's message was that Ireland is well-resourced to navigate this labour market transition through employer contributions to the National Training Fund. 

"As with other parts of Ireland, employers throughout Cork are investing in upskilling so we can be a net beneficiary of AI. Our country has to decide whether to remain passive observers of technological change or become active architects of tomorrow’s workplace."

"Our ability to benefit from AI will ultimately come down to how we manage this skills transition. If the Government does not fully maximise the National Training Fund to support and upskill our workforce, positioning them to meet these rapid changes, it must return those funds so businesses can invest in skills development directly," Ms Leahy said.

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