'Workers who use AI will replace workers who don't' - TD on positives of artificial intelligence
James Cox
Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne has said the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) will outweigh the negatives if Ireland embraces the technology.
Speaking in a recent Dáil debate on AI, the Wicklow-Wexford TD said the notion that people's jobs would be replaced by AI was misguided. However, he believes people should be trained to integrate AI into their work.
In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, Mr Byrne said: "The point I make is, it's not that robots are going to replace humans, but workers who use AI will replace workers who don't.
"Our challenge as a society is to have the debate around when and where we can use AI, but also how AI can eliminate a lot of mundane tasks and help improve health outcomes, decision-making, and efficiency.
"This is a transformational technology that is going to impact everything from agriculture to education to transport. That means the debate has to happen across all sectors."
Mr Byrne's Fianna Fáil colleague, Niamh Smyth, was recently named as Ireland’s first AI minister.
He welcomed the appointment but added that he feels there should be a whole-of-government approach to AI.
Mr Byrne also proposed the establishment of an AI Oireachtas committee.
"There are two sides to any new technology. With artificial intelligence, yes, there are going to be challenges, and yes, there are threats.
"There are also incredible opportunities, particularly in areas like healthcare, where AI is already being used. In radiography, for instance, by using AI alongside the human eye, it becomes far more effective at detecting tumours or problems in X-rays.
"In healthcare, it will assist with the diagnosis of patients and also play a role in the development of new drugs. It presents incredible opportunities.
"Even in terms of planning, AI can analyse vast amounts of data to ensure that we target resources far more effectively."
Mr Byrne added that while he is optimistic about AI’s potential, it is important to ensure that its rollout does not create a digital divide.
"By nature, I am an optimist, and I think we've got to look at what the possibilities of this new technology are to improve all of our lives. It is important that we don't allow a digital divide to develop in how we roll out AI products and the use of AI."
He added that guardrails will be needed at both a national and EU level. Mr Byrne is also set to introduce a Bill that will make it an offence to use an individual's voice, image, or likeness without their consent.
Some people expect that in the lifetime of this government, we may attain artificial general intelligence.
"The European Union has made a good start with the AI Act, which has now come into force, setting out general guardrails. However, I think it is also important that we have broader societal debates around how we can use this technology safely and for everyone's benefit.
"Some people expect that in the lifetime of this government, we may attain artificial general intelligence, which essentially means that robots or AI systems will be able to carry out tasks of human complexity as well as a human can.
"Scarlett Johansson is currently taking a case against OpenAI, and there was also the rather shocking Trump Gaza video this week. I found it both horrific and a foretaste of what could be to come.
"In one sense, it is grotesque, and if we don't put in place necessary guardrails, AI can be used to mislead people."
Despite the many risks posed by AI, Mr Byrne believes it will be transformative in a positive sense.
"We have to put measures in place to tackle that, but we must also look at the innovative possibilities.
"If AI helps us to eradicate diseases, ensure resources are used more effectively, and eliminate mundane aspects of many daily jobs, it is truly transformative."
