Shay Brennan addressed the transformative power of artificial intelligence and urged Ireland to establish itself as a global leader through a human-centric, ethical approach and increased investment. He argued for stronger infrastructure, expanded education and skills programmes, and active participation in EU AI governance.
Central argument
Brennan framed AI as a present reality reshaping the economy and society, stressing that decisions made now will affect how people work, live and interact for decades. He described AI as an immense opportunity to drive growth and innovation in Ireland and called for a national strategy built on ethics and public trust.
Investment and infrastructure
He called for greater government investment beyond the planned increase in AI research spending to 1.8 million in 2025, and urged guidance on data centre development focused on renewable energy and energy-efficient technology. Brennan also highlighted the need to invest in nationwide 5G and other critical digital infrastructure to support AI development.
Education and jobs
Brennan noted Ireland's early industry-driven MSc in artificial intelligence and demanded comprehensive AI education at all levels, from primary schools to professional development, and expanded upskilling through Skillnet and Springboard. He cited job impacts and opportunities: up to 160,000 jobs could see major automation of tasks, yet 51% of employers expect AI to create more roles, demand for AI professionals rose 142% in six months, and 8,000 AI-related jobs are expected this year.
Regulation and governance
He urged implementation of the EU AI Act, active participation in the EU AI Board, and stronger independent advice via the AI Advisory Council. Brennan recommended rolling out AI standards and certifications aligned with the EU AI Act and establishing an AI regulatory testbed to foster responsible innovation.
National adoption and public services
Brennan proposed a national campaign to raise SME awareness of AI benefits and supports, government leadership in transforming online public services with AI, and sectoral AI strategies such as in healthcare to improve patient access and outcomes. He advocated continued support for the national AI hub and expanded funding for AI research and development.
Local impact and international role
Drawing on developments in his Dublin Rat Down constituency, he pointed to hundreds of local AI-related jobs announced by global companies as evidence of Ireland’s growing AI hub status. He also urged leveraging Ireland’s EU membership and tech sector presence to play a key role in global AI development, rollout and governance discussions.
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Today we are addressing a matter of critical national importance, the transformative power of artificial intelligence and the significant opportunity for Ireland to establish itself as a global leader in this field. The decision we make now will impact not only on our economic future, but also on the way we work, live and interact as a society for decades to come. As we embark into 2025, it is clear that AI is no longer a distant prospect, but a present reality reshaping our economy and society. The potential of AI to drive growth and innovation in Ireland is immense, with some projections even suggesting it could boost GDP by tens of millions over the next decade. To seize this opportunity, we must build upon our refreshed AI Here For Good national strategy. This strategy emphasises our commitment to human-centric, ethical approach to AI development, adoption and use. We must position Ireland at the forefront of implementing the EU AI Act, participating constructively in the EU AI Board and fostering public trust through transparency and engagement. The government must increase investment in AI. While we are set to increase spending on AI research projects by more than 50 per cent to 1.8 million in 2025, we must go further. We must guide the development of data centre infrastructure crucial for AI growth, focusing on renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technology. We must also invest in nationwide 5G and other critical digital infrastructure to support AI development. Education and skills development are crucial. We are proud that Ireland was one of the first countries in the world to develop an industry-driven postgraduate MSc in artificial intelligence. But we have to do more. We have to implement comprehensive AI education programmes at all levels. From primary schools to professional development. We must expand digital upskilling and reskilling initiatives, including those available via Skillnet and Springboard. The impact of AI on our job market is already evident. While up to 160,000 jobs in Ireland could see more than half of their work activities automated by AI, the majority of Irish employers believe that AI adoption will ultimately result in more jobs, not fewer. In fact, 51% of employers report that AI introduction will create more roles than it replaces. We are seeing this trend in action. The demand for AI professionals in Ireland has skyrocketed, with a 142% increase in the past six months alone. An additional 8,000 AI-related jobs are expected to be created this year. In my own constituency of Dublin Rat Down, we are witnessing this growth firsthand. Our area is home to several global companies that have already announced hundreds of new local AI-related jobs. This is a testament to Ireland's growing reputation as a hub for AI innovation and talent. To drive AI adoption across our economy, we must develop a national campaign to raise awareness among SMEs of the benefits of AI adoption and the available supports. Government can and should lead by example. We must use AI to transform online public services, making them more efficient and effective. We must also develop AI strategies for key sectors, such as healthcare, leveraging AI to improve patient access, experience and outcomes. Innovation and research are key to our success. We have to continue to support and expand initiatives like the national AI hub, increase funding for AI research and development, and establish an AI regulatory testbed to foster innovation while ensuring responsible development. On the international stage, we have a clear opportunity to strengthen Ireland's position in global AI initiatives and collaborations. We must leverage our unique position as an EU member with a strong foothold in the tech sector to play a key role in global AI development, rollout and governance discussions. To ensure ethical and responsible AI governments, we must strengthen the role of the AI Advisory Council in providing independent advice on emerging AI challenges. We need to roll out AI standards and certifications aligned with the EU AI Act and deliver transparency and accountability in public service AI deployments. AI is not so far off concept, its present reality is transforming our world. From the innovation tech hubs of Dublin to the enterprise and communities right across rural Ireland, AI offers us the tools to enhance our quality of life, fuel economic growth and cement Ireland's position as a technological powerhouse on the global stage. We should embrace this challenge with the spirit of innovation and determination that has always been the hallmark of Irish ingenuity. We must work together, government, industry and academia to ensure that the benefits of AI are maximised for all our citizens. Of course, czyli takich jobs. Thanks a lot. Thank you. Thanks. Thank you. Good morning. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Where all of us. A lovely Old today is a lovelyway here welcome. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Buffalo for peace and attention. Thank you. Thank you.
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