AI in Ireland’s New Programme for Government: Ambitious Vision, Implementation Challenges
Following weeks of intense negotiations after November’s general election, Ireland’s “newish” coalition government, led by Fianna Fáil with Fine Gael and supported by independent TDs, has unveiled its roadmap for the next five years. The Programme for Government 2025, titled “Securing Ireland’s Future” (full document available here), sets out an ambitious vision for artificial intelligence across multiple sectors. But what does this mean for our schools, hospitals, public services, carbon footprint and Ireland’s place as an international IT hub?
A National Vision for AI Leadership
The programme positions AI as a cornerstone of Ireland’s future development, with the government “committed to ensuring that Ireland is a leader in the digital economy and artificial intelligence” (p.34). This commitment spans multiple sectors, from education to law enforcement, suggesting a comprehensive approach to technological transformation that could reshape public services across the board.
Education: Promises Amid Past Inaction
In education, the programme makes two significant pledges: to “improve teaching and learning methods, especially as schools adapt to digital learning and the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence” (p.67) and ensure AI “is used appropriately in education settings” (p.68). These commitments align with broader goals to invest in “digital skills at all levels, from basic digital literacy for all citizens to being a leader in higher education” (p.35).
However, these promises must be viewed against the Department of Education’s historically slow response to technological change. The past year has seen schools struggling to adapt to AI’s rapid evolution, with teachers left largely unsupported in navigating tools like ChatGPT and other AI platforms. Like most educators in the AI space I look forward to the long awaited “AI guidelines for schools”. This new programme, while ambitious, provides little reassurance that implementation will be more agile this time around.
The Data Centre Dilemma
The programme’s acknowledgement that “the criticality of digital infrastructure in economic growth” will grow “with the development of Artificial Intelligence” (p.54) raises significant environmental concerns. While AI companies tout increasing energy efficiency, the reality is that these efficiency gains are often outpaced by exponential growth in AI usage and processing demands.
The government’s commitment to maintaining Ireland’s position as a technology hub through data centre expansion must be balanced against environmental responsibilities. The programme’s vague promise of “environmentally friendly” development offers little concrete detail on how this balance will be achieved. As AI systems become more complex and energy-intensive, this oversight could have serious implications for Ireland’s climate commitments.
Cross-Sector Integration
Beyond education, the programme envisions AI integration across public services. There are commitments to “support the Gardaí to use Artificial Intelligence in criminal investigations” (p.117) and “develop an AI in Health strategy” (p.91). These cross-sector commitments suggest a recognition of AI’s transformative potential across all aspects of public service.
Critical Questions and Gaps
Several critical questions remain unaddressed in the programme. How will the government ensure equitable access to AI resources across all schools, particularly in disadvantaged areas? What specific funding will be allocated to support comprehensive teacher training in AI technologies? How will ethical guidelines be developed and enforced for AI use in sensitive areas like law enforcement? And crucially, how will the environmental impact of increased AI infrastructure be mitigated?
The Path Forward: Implications for Education
While the programme’s cross-sector approach to AI demonstrates forward-thinking ambition, its success in education will depend on swift, practical implementation. As educators, we’ve seen previous technological initiatives falter due to inadequate support and training. We cannot afford the same hesitancy with AI – especially now, when we’re in the full swing of an AI revolution that is already transforming how our students learn, write, and think.
For teachers and school leaders reading this, the programme’s commitments could signal significant changes in how we teach and assess learning. However, we must advocate for clear implementation timelines, comprehensive training programmes, and adequate resources. The government’s recognition of AI’s importance in education is welcome, but without detailed implementation plans and clear funding commitments, these aspirations risk following the path of previous unfulfilled educational technology promises.
The coming months will be crucial – indeed, we don’t have the luxury of waiting years for action. As education professionals, we must engage actively with these policy developments, ensuring that the government’s AI vision translates into meaningful support for teachers and genuine benefits for learners. Our students’ futures depend on getting this right, and they’re already living in an AI-transformed world. We cannot wait another five years for action on AI in education – the revolution is happening now.
Patrick Hickey (@aiteachingguru on all major social media) is an AI CPD Provider, Media Contributer, Current Teacher, Assistant Principal in Boherbue Comprehensive School, Co. Cork.
If you have any queries you can email www.aiteachingguru@gmail.com