Ireland is leading the European charge in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with the demand for AI-related jobs doubling since 2023 and enterprise usage soaring, according to a new government report.
The findings come from the latest ‘Skills Insights Note’ published by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), titled ‘How AI is transforming the Irish Labour Market’. The report states that the Irish labour market is more exposed to AI than other advanced economies, with about 63% of employment adjudged to be exposed to AI.
Key statistics highlight Ireland’s frontrunner status. The report notes that “Ireland leads in terms of the 1st demand for AI related jobs” in the EU and holds a “3rd Ireland’s EU ranking in respect of digital skills.” Furthermore, it confirms that “AI usage and AI related jobs have doubled in Ireland since 2023.”
The analysis points to Ireland’s strong foundation in technology as a key enabler. “The share in Ireland, at 6.3% in 2024 was the 5th highest and well above the [EU] average of 5.0%,” the report says, referring to the proportion of ICT specialists in the workforce. It adds that “the economy would seem to be well positioned for high levels of AI adoption.”
This is further supported by data on the supply of talent. “In a European context, Ireland ranks 4th highest in relation to AI talent and 5th in the world, at 1.69 times the global average,” the report finds, citing LinkedIn’s ‘AI Talent Index’.
The report concludes with a forward-looking statement on the pace of change, noting that “over the next number of years, we are likely to see an increasingly large impact from AI on the labour market and skills needs.” It highlights that “LinkedIn estimates that 70% of the skills needs used in most jobs will change by 2030, with AI the catalyst.”
The Skills Insights Note 2025-2, “How AI is transforming the Irish Labour Market,” was prepared by the Secretariat of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN). The EGFSN advises the Irish Government on future skills requirements. The full report can be accessed at www.egfsn.ie.