Ireland leads globally in AI jobs and skills
A new report reveals Ireland’s rapid growth in AI-related employment and expertise, placing the country among the top in Europe for AI adoption. The findings highlight both the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI across industries to sustain economic competitiveness.
Source:
Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 2 min read
The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) has released a detailed report titled ‘The Irish Labour Market and AI in 2026’, which highlights Ireland’s prominent role in the global AI landscape. According to the study, Ireland is generating AI jobs at two to three times the rate of comparable nations and ranks second in the European Union for AI skills and widespread AI utilisation across its economy.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, praised the report for its insights into how AI is reshaping the workforce. He emphasised that while Ireland has made impressive progress in AI adoption, the spread of these technologies remains uneven. Consequently, the government is committed to further investment in education, training programmes, and initiatives that encourage broader, inclusive AI integration to maintain Ireland’s competitive edge.
Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth, also welcomed the findings, stressing the importance of continuous adaptation as AI transforms the labour market. The report, authored by Diarmaid Smyth and chaired by Colm Kelly, underscores the policy challenge of equipping businesses, workers, and government institutions to effectively harness AI’s potential. The EGFSN continues to advise the government on aligning skills development with future enterprise and employment needs.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, praised the report for its insights into how AI is reshaping the workforce. He emphasised that while Ireland has made impressive progress in AI adoption, the spread of these technologies remains uneven. Consequently, the government is committed to further investment in education, training programmes, and initiatives that encourage broader, inclusive AI integration to maintain Ireland’s competitive edge.
Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth, also welcomed the findings, stressing the importance of continuous adaptation as AI transforms the labour market. The report, authored by Diarmaid Smyth and chaired by Colm Kelly, underscores the policy challenge of equipping businesses, workers, and government institutions to effectively harness AI’s potential. The EGFSN continues to advise the government on aligning skills development with future enterprise and employment needs.
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