Almost a third of jobs could be negatively impacted by AI

New Government research on the impact of artificial intelligence has found that around 30% of workers are employed in roles that are at risk of being replaced by AI.

A series of three reports entitled ‘Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe’ show that people working in the financial and insurance sector, and the information and communication sector are the most exposed to AI.

At-risk jobs include laboratory technicians, accountants and telephone salespeople.

The agriculture, forestry and fishing sector was found to be the least exposed.

Women appear to be relatively more exposed to AI than men, arising from the fact more women are employed in highly exposed administrative or customer occupations.

Men, on the other hand, are more likely to be employed in agricultural or construction-related roles.

Overall, Ireland’s labour market is marginally more exposed to AI than the advanced economy average at 63% vs 60%.

The research found that 33% of employment is in occupations where AI is likely to complement labour and boost productivity.

The data used to compile the reports does not capture the latest advancements in AI technology, such as large language model-based tools like ChatGPT.

The AI measures also do not capture exposure to robot technologies.

The reports were prepared by the Department of Finance and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

“It is essential that workers are supported to gain or improve the skills required to fully utilise AI as a supporting technology, or in a transition to roles that require different skills with social safety nets that are fit-for-purpose,” said Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath.

“In this regard we are taking action to ensure that the public finances are in a position to absorb the structural changes that are likely to happen,” Mr McGrath said.

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke TD, said that we are on the cusp of a swathe of technological changes.

“Every significant technological advance brings changes to the labour market. AI will be no different in that regard,” Mr Burke said.

“The exact nature of these changes is uncertain, but this does not mean that we are unprepared,” he added.