Irish government does not expect public sector job losses from AI

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 14:44 · Archive

Ireland's government said it does not foresee public sector job displacement because of artificial intelligence.

The Irish government does not expect artificial intelligence to displace public sector workers, the Taoiseach said at an international AI summit in Dublin. Micheál Martin told reporters that whilst AI will have a 'transformative impact' on the economy, within the public service the government is 'not envisaging' job losses.

The International Monetary Fund has warned that 40% to 60% of jobs will be 'exposed' to AI technology in advanced economies, ranging from being eliminated to being 'enhanced'. The government is already offering training to thousands of workers it considers exposed.

Martin said that rather than displacement, roles would change and workers would be redeployed to new positions within the public service. He acknowledged that 'some work functions may not survive AI' but anticipated that 'other additional work functions will come'. The government is establishing a forum with trade unions and other stakeholders to discuss the issue. Enterprise Minister Peter Burke noted Ireland's 'established tech sector' and 'significant skills capability'.

Irish government does not expect public sector job losses from AI — Image: Evening Standard

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How it is being reported

Government does not ‘envisage’ public sector job displacement because of AIThe International Monetary Fund has warned that 40% to 60% of jobs will be ‘exposed’ to the technology in advanced economies.Evening Standard · 14 Oct, 14:23
Government does not ‘envisage’ public sector job displacement because of AIThe International Monetary Fund has warned that 40% to 60% of jobs will be ‘exposed’ to the technology in advanced economies.Independent Tech · 14 Oct, 14:23

In this story: Micheál Martin · Ireland · International Monetary Fund · European Union · Peter Burke

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