In a recent announcement, Minister for Finance Micheal McGrath highlighted the significant impact AI could have on the job market, revealing that up to a third of jobs may be at risk due to advances in artificial intelligence. This revelation follows a comprehensive report by the Department of Finance, underscoring both the potential benefits and the challenges posed by AI.
Minister McGrath acknowledged the "enormous positive potential of AI" but also emphasized the inevitable changes it will bring to various job roles. While some jobs will evolve, others may disappear entirely. The report identifies specific sectors and roles most vulnerable to AI disruption, as well as those that stand to benefit.
The report indicates that telephone salespeople are the most at risk of being replaced by AI technologies. Other roles with high exposure to AI include salespersons, communications operators, and telephonists. These professions are considered less complementary to human skill sets, making them more susceptible to automation.
Conversely, professions such as nurses, midwives, construction project managers, librarians, and psychologists are likely to benefit from AI integration while facing a lower risk of replacement. For these roles, AI can serve as a powerful tool to enhance efficiency and improve outcomes without replacing human workers.
The report also highlights occupations that will see AI as a complement rather than a replacement. Dental practitioners, fire service officers, chefs, and sportspeople are among those with minimal exposure to AI, where technology can enhance their work without posing a threat to their roles.
Across broader occupational groups, sales, customer service, administrative, and secretarial roles are most likely to be replaced by AI. In contrast, managers, directors, and senior officials are expected to benefit the most from AI while facing the least risk of job displacement. Professional occupations, although highly exposed to AI, could gain significantly from the technology, with about 30% of roles potentially being filled by AI.
Approximately 40% of roles in associated professional and technical operations are at risk, with the remainder expected to be complemented by AI to varying degrees. Machine operatives and skilled trades are at relatively low risk of AI replacement but may face greater exposure to other digital technologies like robotics.
Overall, the report states that 63% of jobs in Ireland will be exposed to AI, compared to an average of 60% in other advanced economies. Around 30% of these jobs are at risk of being replaced by AI, while 33% are expected to be complemented by the technology.
The report also highlights a gender disparity in AI's impact. Women are more exposed to AI than men due to their predominance in highly exposed administrative and customer service occupations. In contrast, men working in agricultural and construction roles are at the least risk.
Minister McGrath emphasized the need to support workers in gaining or improving skills to utilize AI as a supporting technology or transition to roles requiring different skills. He stressed the importance of having social safety nets that are fit for purpose to absorb the structural changes likely to occur.
"We will continue to work across all relevant government departments to ensure that our economic and labor market analyses and policies are responsive to the rapidly changing nature of these technologies," McGrath stated.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment Peter Burke echoed these sentiments, noting that every significant technological advance brings changes to the labor market, and AI will be no different. He emphasized the government's aim to drive the development and adoption of "trustworthy, person-centered" AI for economic and societal good through the implementation of the national AI strategy.
Source: businessplus
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