George Lawlor urges rights-based AI, reskilling and platform reform

Minister, I'm delighted to contribute to this important debate. I know it's a debate that my county colleague Malcolm Byrne has been seeking for quite some time and to be part of a discussion of a topic that is reshaping our world at an unprecedented pace. And as we navigate this transformative era, it's absolutely crucial that we harness the power of AI, not just for profit, but for the greater good of our businesses, our economy and society as a whole. And we in the Labour Party recognise the potential benefits of AI and believe that new technology should be embraced. Crucially though, AI must be seen to be utilised as a tool to improve people's working lives and not just to replace them. A robust regularly framework is crucial and it is essential that regulators are well resourced to handle compliance efficiently and establish Ireland as a leader in AI governance. We must ensure that workers benefit from each new technological breakthrough. And one of the key challenges will be to ensure that a system is in place that allows the gains of AI advancement and proliferation are fairly distributed rather than being concentrated at the top. AI in the workplace must benefit workers as much as it benefits businesses. It cannot be treated simply as a tool to increase margins. A human-centric, rights-based approach must be adopted. A recent OECD report found that workers are more likely to report the positive impacts of AI in the workplace if there has been a consultation process through their trade unions. Workers' voices must be heard as AI increasingly permeates our workplace. We must also be cognizant of the fact that AI is already creating technological displacement where workers' jobs are becoming automated and will inevitably continue to do so. Investment in continuous professional development, lifelong learning and a strong social protection system will be key to mitigating the negative effects. It is absolutely vital that the human in control principle should be incorporated into law at the EU level. We must also harness the enormous benefits and opportunities provided by AI such as speeding up diagnosis and treatment in healthcare settings or by liberating workers from mundane or unpleasant tasks. In the Labour Party, we are concerned about the growth in monitoring through AI applications and in work surveillance. The use of AI and algorithmic management must be regulated and its use in recruitment, remuneration and day-to-day supervision limited. Statutory protections against such practices must be introduced. Whether it is ordering a takeaway, getting shopping delivered or a taxi home from a night out, online platforms have transformed the way we live. Platform work must be regulated in line with the EU platform work directive and gig and platform workers must have access to information about their pay. Government have to legislate to ensure transparency in algorithmic management and to recognise platform workers as full employees, not just contractors and afford them all the associated benefits and protections. The inclusive transformation of our public services and economy through the benefits of digitalisation and AI are vital. The removal of the digital divide and the embedding of AI skills and innovation to position Ireland as a global leader are also vital. We proposed and believe that there should be a stand-alone Department of Digital and Communications initially paired with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science under one Minister to include AI. We must strive to position Ireland as a leader on all aspects of the digital transformation, from skills to chips, cloud computing to AI. It is our belief that the State must proactively invest in artificial intelligence applications through the Strategic Investment and Development Bank. The rights of creators and copyright must be respected as provided for in the EU AI Act and controls must be placed on the creation and use of deepfakes and the protection of the democratic process from the abuse and misuse of AI in the electoral process is absolutely imperative. As such, maintaining online trust in all digital processes is essential to our social, political and economic futures. Safeguarding our information in a world where AI is ever growing is a vital concern and we believe that an independent review of the Data Protection Commission to investigate the measures needed to strengthen and reform its functions, ensure it's adequately resourced and proactive in enforcing EU AI rules is essential. There is little doubt that maximising AI for our greater good requires a collective effort. To ensure this happens, it is imperative that we embrace the transformative power of AI in business, the economy and society. Strengthening these areas will also underpin future growth in areas like financial services and intellectual property management, which rely on a strong technological framework and secure networks. Let us decide to prioritise ethical practices, invest in education and re-skilling, use and leverage AI to solve complex challenges. If we can do this, we can ensure that AI serves as a tool for progress, innovation and equity. It's up to all of us to shape artificial intelligence in a way that benefits everyone. Go to Maghul.