Healthcare Unions Voice Concerns Over Ireland’s New AI Strategy
Ireland’s healthcare unions have expressed disappointment and concern regarding the recently launched Artificial Intelligence for Care strategy, citing a lack of consultation with healthcare workers during its development. The strategy, unveiled by Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill on Wednesday, aims to improve care through faster diagnoses, better patient flow, reduced administrative burdens, earlier disease detection, more consistent care, and increased efficiency.
Concerns Over Lack of Consultation
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) group of healthcare unions released a statement expressing their disappointment that the AI for Care strategy was published without adequate engagement with worker representatives. Unions representing the majority of healthcare workers in Ireland are concerned that the Health Service Executive (HSE) has moved forward with the plan without proper consultation.
Human-Led Healthcare Remains a Priority
SIPTU Head of Health Division, Kevin Figgis, emphasized the importance of maintaining a human-led approach to healthcare in Ireland. He stated that the Irish public health service must be an attractive workplace that embraces technology while ensuring adequate staffing and safety. Figgis too noted the potential benefits of AI in healthcare but stressed that it should not compromise direct patient care provided by healthcare professionals. He reiterated this point, stating the future of healthcare provision in Ireland “must be human-led.”
Balancing AI Potential with Risks
Edward Mathews, Acting Chair of the Staff Panel of Healthcare Unions and INMO Deputy General Secretary, acknowledged the potential contributions of AI to healthcare services. However, he cautioned that healthcare is fundamentally a human profession and that AI carries both benefits and risks. He stressed the need for appropriate safeguards, staff training, and clear accountability measures to protect patients.
Call for Urgent Dialogue
Fórsa Head of Health and Welfare Division, Ashley Connolly, has requested an urgent meeting with the HSE’s Chief Technology Officer to discuss the implementation of the AI policy within the public health service.
EPSU Resolution Supports Universal Public Services
This concern comes as SIPTU’s Health Divisional Organiser, Kevin Figgis, urges the Government to commit to providing high-quality universal public services following the adoption of a resolution by the European Federation of Public Services Unions (EPSU). The EPSU resolution, adopted on March 10th and 11th in Brussels, calls for high-quality, universal, and rights-based public services across Europe. EPSU represents 260 unions and eight million public service workers across Europe, with Figgis holding one of Ireland’s two committee seats.
Figgis stated the resolution aims to promote access to good quality public services and highlight their vital role in society. He emphasized the government’s responsibility to invest in public services, safeguard jobs, and resist outsourcing or privatization to for-profit organizations. He believes investing in public services protects their essential role and ensures quality jobs for all citizens.
According to EPSU, high-quality, universal, accessible, and rights-based public services are “the backbone of the European Social Model and one of the essential components for a renewed Social Contract for Europe’s workers.”