The Irish government must not passively allow artificial intelligence (AI) to seep into society uncontrolled, the Taoiseach’s advisors have urged.
The National Economic and Social Council (NESC), which advises the government, says Ireland needs to carefully consider how to “develop and deploy AI in ways that are safe, ethical and rights-respecting.”
In a wide ranging report on artificial intelligence and its role in society, the NESC says that sitting back as AI broadens its reach would be unwise.
“Ireland’s task is not simply to implement AI effectively, but to actively shape its role in society so that AI adoption aligns with democratic values, supports competitiveness and ensures that benefits are distributed broadly while foreseeable harms are anticipated and mitigated”, the NESC urges.
Ireland is seen as well placed to benefit from AI with an educated and tech-savvy workforce and a large tech sector based here.
But the NESC also warns of the risk of a digital divide with some people being left behind.
According to the NESC, Irish people are more sceptical about AI than many other countries.
Only 38 percent of Irish respondents, as compared to a 47-country average of 46 per cent, are willing to trust AI systems, according to one recent analysis.
The NESC admits that AI comes with great uncertainty.
“The ultimate trajectory of AI remains highly uncertain, particularly regarding when, where and for whom AI will deliver the greatest value, and at what social and environmental cost. Although AI’s potential is substantial, its ultimate impact depends on the decisions we make now about how it is built, governed and deployed.”
Ireland currently appears to be a strong contender in the global AI landscape, according to the report, but maintaining that position cannot be taken for granted.
Areas where Ireland is ahead
- Talent and skills: Ireland possesses a deep pool of ICT talent, ranking 5th globally for AI talent density. Around 73 percent of the Irish population has “basic or above” digital skills, the 3rd-highest ranking in the EU.
- Adoption speed: By the end of 2025, Ireland was identified as one of the fastest adopters of generative AI, with nearly 45 percent of its working-age population using these tools. Irish SMEs rank 3rd internationally for generative AI usage, trailing only Germany and Austria.
- Key sectors: Ireland is an early leader in agricultural robotics, particularly in automated milking systems and innovative applications like AI-powered shellfish graders.
- Government: The National Digital & AI Strategy 2030 provides a solid foundation for harnessing AI’s transformative potential.
Areas where Ireland is lagging behind
- Public trust: The Irish public is more sceptical and cautious than their global peers. Only 38 percent of Irish respondents are willing to trust AI systems, compared to a 47-country average of 46 percent.
- Healthcare: Ireland lags behind European counterparts when it comes to digitising healthcare systems. While a roadmap exists for 2024–2030, accelerated progress is required to fully realise AI’s potential in clinical care and patient safety.
- Digital divide: Digital exclusion is more pronounced in Ireland than the EU average for certain cohorts, specifically older adults, rural communities, and low-income households. For example, young adults in Ireland are nearly nine times more likely to use AI daily compared to those aged 55–64.
- Job vulnerability: Approximately 63 percent of jobs are “highly AI-exposed” occupations, compared to a benchmark of 60 percent for other advanced nations.
The NESC sets out five “priorities” for the government to consider:
- Responsible and Strategic Adoption of AI
- Safe, Ethical and Trustworthy AI
- Anticipatory Governance and Institutional Readiness
- AI Literacy as National Infrastructure
- Public Deliberation, Legitimacy and Social Licence
The government said it welcomed the report.
The “NESC notes that, as with any significant new technology, AI will take time to become fully embedded across the economy and society, and argues that we should use this period to put the right foundations in place, strengthening skills, governance, infrastructure and public trust, so that Ireland can fully realise the benefits of AI while minimising foreseeable risks and unintended consequences.
The Government’s recently published National Digital & AI Strategy, Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future, sets out the Government’s ambition and vision to 2030 to ensure Ireland remains a digital leader and maximises the benefits of digital and AI technologies for all parts of society.”