On 21st February 2025, the AI Advisory Council released its latest report, “Ireland’s AI Advisory Council Recommendations – Helping to Shape Ireland’s AI Future.” This comprehensive document highlights strategic recommendations for harnessing the full potential of artificial intelligence while ensuring Ireland’s continued economic growth, competitiveness, and societal well-being.
The report addresses six critical areas that will define Ireland’s AI trajectory:
1. AI and the Future of Skills and Work
The council explores how AI is transforming the labour market and stresses the need for proactive policies to manage the impact on employment and skills. It calls for a deepened understanding of the changes that AI will bring to the workforce and outlines measures to ensure workers are adequately prepared.
2. AI Ecosystem
A focus on establishing Ireland as a leader in applied AI. This includes supporting startups and SMEs, accelerating funding for AI initiatives, expanding testbed programmes and aligning national strategies for growth.
3. AI Literacy and Education
The council stresses the importance of building AI literacy among educators and students. It advocates for equitable access to AI tools in education and the creation of AI literacy programmes to equip future generations with the knowledge and skills needed in an AI-driven world.
4. AI Sovereignty and Infrastructure
A call to invest in both sovereign data initiatives and energy infrastructure to ensure that Ireland remains competitive in the global AI economy. The report highlights the need for Ireland to control its data while securing the energy resources necessary to drive AI innovation.
5. Biometrics and the Public Service
The report provides recommendations for the responsible use of AI-powered Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) in public services, ensuring that privacy, ethics and accountability are upheld.
6. AI and Ireland’s Creative Sector
Addressing AI’s transformative impact on the creative industries, the council suggests measures to protect creators’ rights and combat the potential misuse of AI in art, media and entertainment.
Dr. Patricia Scanlon, Chair of the AI Advisory Council, remarked, “This report lays out actionable recommendations to ensure Ireland remains competitive in the global AI arena while fostering an inclusive, ethical, and sustainable future. We look forward to collaborating with the Government to further explore these opportunities and stimulate forward-thinking dialogue that aligns Ireland’s AI development with best practices and ethical standards, ultimately securing long-term benefits for our economy and society.”
The report was presented to Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, alongside Minister of State for Trade Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth. Both ministers welcomed the recommendations, affirming their commitment to integrating the advice into Ireland’s AI strategy.
Minister Peter Burke highlighted the importance of decisive action to ensure Ireland’s leadership in AI, while Minister Niamh Smyth emphasised her eagerness to work alongside the council and government colleagues to implement the National AI Strategy. The AI Advisory Council will continue to provide insights, refining its recommendations over the coming year, as it keeps pace with the fast-evolving AI landscape.
Three supplementary advice papers, exploring the creative sector, education and biometrics (specifically Facial Recognition Technology), were also released today. These papers offer a more detailed analysis of these key issues, with further thematic explorations to follow in the coming months.
AI and Education: Key Recommendations
Among the most significant themes discussed in the council’s report is the future of AI in education. A separate advice paper on AI and Education delves into the role of generative AI tools in transforming education across all levels. The paper recommends the Irish Government develop consistent guidelines for the use of GenAI in education and prioritise AI literacy training for both students and educators.
The paper also calls for the elimination of financial and language barriers to accessing GenAI tools, ensuring all students benefit from this technology. Moreover, it suggests facilitating national conversations around AI in education, engaging teachers, unions, parents, policymakers, and technology providers in shaping the future of education in an AI-powered world.
The AI Advisory Council’s continued work will be crucial in ensuring Ireland remains at the forefront of AI innovation, ensuring that the country navigates the challenges and opportunities AI presents in a way that benefits all citizens.
Read the full AI Advisory Council Advice Papers.
About the AI Advisory Council
The AI Advisory Council is an independent body established to advise the Irish Government on all aspects of AI. Comprising leading experts from academia, industry and civil society, the council’s role includes fostering public engagement to build confidence in trustworthy AI. Since its formation in January 2024, the council has actively participated in numerous events, interviews, panels, and other engagements to promote dialogue on the responsible use of AI.
Call to Action
If you’d like to delve deeper into how these trends can reshape your organisation, we would be delighted to discuss them in more detail. Invite Mark Kelly, Founder of AI Ireland, to speak at your next team meeting, conference or strategy session. We can explore practical ways to harness AI responsibly, meet sustainability goals, and navigate the evolving consumer landscape. Let’s work together to ensure Ireland remains at the vanguard of innovation in 2025 – and beyond.
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