New policy proposes retraining of Kildare workers displaced by AI

The proposal follows recent developments involving Meta and its outsourcing partner Covalen

By Ciarán Mather Published 21st May 2026, 15:00 BST New policy proposes retraining of Kildare workers displaced by AI | FILE PHOTOGRAPH / PIXABAY The proposal follows recent developments involving Meta and its outsourcing partner Covalen Sign up to our Kildare Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kildare Live within your account.

A new policy aims to facilitate the retraining of workers in Ireland (including those in County Kildare ) who have been displaced by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North, Naoise Ó Cearúil, has proposed a policy to support workers whose jobs are at risk from AI and automation.

READ NEXT: Children are left 'soaking' from the rain at one Kildare bus stop

Deputy Ó Cearúil, who is also his party’s spokesperson on AI and Gaeltacht Affairs, explained that he is calling for the establishment of a National AI Workforce Transition Programme in order to help employees in AI-exposed roles retrain and move into higher-value employment before redundancies occur.

Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North, Naoise Ó Cearúil | Photograph credit: fiannafail.ie According to the Maynooth-based politician, the proposal follows recent developments involving Meta and its outsourcing partner Covalen, alongside new analysis which combines both data from the Central Statistics Office and estimates from the Economic and Social Research Institute.

The analysis indicates that between 25 per cent and 40 per cent of tasks across key sectors could be exposed to automation in the coming years, potentially affecting between 30,000 and 48,000 workers.

Speaking on his proposal, Deputy Ó Cearúil said: “Recent comments from Mark Zuckerberg on the future size of teams in an AI-driven world are a clear cause for concern.

“We are already seeing the impact of AI, particularly among workers in financial services back offices, customer contact centres and compliance operations, where exposure to displacement is highest.”

He continued: “These sectors are the starting point for this proposal because the evidence of disruption is strongest and the window for proactive action is narrow.

“However, the programme is designed to expand as further evidence emerges across the economy.”

Read More 'Devastating impact' of Government's Rent Hike Bill as rents and evictions in Kildare surge NTA reviewing feasibility of Old Bog Road bus stop in Cappagh, Co Kildare Kildare sports club to host old gear collection event Church in Kildare could be added to Derelict Sites Register The Deputy suggested: “I believe we need a national pilot programme developed by the State in partnership with industry, similar to initiatives seen in Singapore, where a government-backed AI reskilling programme upskilled 80,000 workers and increased sector productivity by 12 per cent.

“Early intervention is critical; it preserves the tax base, retains experienced workers in productive employment and sends a clear signal to international investors that Ireland is managing technological change responsibly.”

He concluded: “By contrast, relying on redundancy supports is more costly, delivers weaker employment outcomes and risks damaging our reputation as a forward-looking economy.”

Deputy Ó Cearúil has previously urged government action when it comes to AI — just under a year ago, he proposed a Bill to establish a National AI Office.

READ NEXT: 'Devastating impact' of Government's Rent Hike Bill as rents and evictions in Kildare surge

Related topics: Naoise O Cearúil Artificial Intelligence Kildare Government Mark Zuckerberg Meta Jobs Maynooth Sign up to our Kildare Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kildare Live within your account.