Rose Conway-Walsh urges government to build AI expertise

Gair Magath, andancouar Dhyuthas, Minister. And best of luck in your new role. And I also want to congratulate Darren Keleary for the work that he did in this area as well. But I suppose I would point out that we are still, and I know you'll acknowledge that, we are still behind the curve. And I welcome some of the initiatives that you have put forward today and made us aware of. And that's why I would like a copy of speech as well. I think it's very important that we all work together on this because it's a huge challenge. but there's also huge opportunities for us here. One thing I might say to you is just in terms of even in the Oireachtas and how we use AI ourselves and how we can use it, if you could ensure that we're not blocked from using it in any way so that that's facilitated because we all need to be up to speed on how it works as well and what it can do and access training courses if we need to online. But if our technology prevents us from doing that, then obviously that's a barrier to us as well. But it is incumbent on the Irish government to explore strategies for maximising the potential of artificial intelligence to benefit businesses, the economy and indeed society at large, as you said. Now the Irish Council for Civil Liberties have recommended that Ireland establish an advisory forum consisting of civil society organisations with fundamental rights and expertise in trade unions as well as people who are often at the receiving end of AI deployment, such as teachers, artists and actors. And I would just ask, has the government taken that on board? AI has a transformative potential, but to truly harness it for the greater good. Its integration must be thoughtfully managed, equitably distributed and aligned with the broader social goals. Now it's imperative that this government builds up in-house expertise on AI, otherwise we will be exposed to external influences, sometimes with contrary agendas. I think it's very important. We talk all the time about the damage that has been done, I believe, in contracting out, and you'll probably have read the big con, around how we have contracted out so much decision-making and so much expertise that used to be within government that no longer is. And I think AI is an area where we really need to build up expertise there. So on that I would ask you the question, have we initiated a recruitment drive to get the brightest and the best to work for government in maximising opportunities and mitigating risks involved with AI? I think that is really important. I would also ask you in terms of access to the National Training Fund, you know, the great mystery of where the National Training Fund is, I think it's about one and a half billion now, and how we can tap into that. I think, would you just find out from the Minister, is the National Training Fund, can it be used for the, because I can think of no better area than this area to make a major investment into AI so that we are ahead of the curve in this. But maybe you'll come back to us on that with the National Training Fund because it seems to be eluding us all for many years now. And I don't think it's fair that businesses are contributing to the National Training Fund, obviously, and building up this fund that then they kind of get access to. It's important that that is made accessible to businesses and for training. AI technologies such as automation, predictive analytics, and machine learning can streamline business operation. It can reduce the cost as well and enhance productivity. And I think we need to very much enable that when we talk about the geopolitical situation and the threats that are here for businesses, that we have to be able to facilitate business to be able to access things in a way. And we have to be mindful of, and I've just met with the Small Firms Association, of the smaller businesses who don't have time. So let's not make it complicated. Let's get rid of the bureaucracy and let's make it accessible to those who are time poor already and struggling for their businesses to survive. AI also enables more precise decision-making, obviously, through data analysis, through helping organisations to spot trends, to forecast demand and optimise inventory management. There are huge possibilities. So AI holds enormous potential for transforming businesses, for driving the economic growth, and it's awfully important as well that that is done on an all-island basis. Let's do this to prosper all of our island, regardless of whatever tradition you are, to support businesses, like through IBEC across the whole day. They operate, obviously, on an all-island basis, but also Tourism Ireland and all of those to enhance prosperity and equality of opportunity across the island. I have a lot more to say on AI, but my time is up. You have to ask your colleagues. Thank you, Minister. I have to do the call. Thank you.