Artificial intelligence

Readers may be interested in the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) which the Law Society will be running on Artificial Intelligence. The course will run over a period of 5 weeks from 10 June until 8 July. It is free and is open to everyone and anyone who has a general interest in learning more about AI developments. To find out more about the course and to register you can click here https://mooc2025.lawsociety.ie/    

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming an integral part of daily life, but many organisations have yet to fully grasp its potential, limitations and associated risks, writes David O’Sullivan The introduction of the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act means organisations are now legally required to ensure that employees using AI, as well as those impacted by its outputs, possess adequate AI literacy. AI literacy is the ability to understand, evaluate and interact effectively with AI systems. It encompasses recognising risks and opportunities, interpreting AI outputs and making informed deployment decisions. Ensuring AI literacy within an organisation isn’t just about compliance – it reduces risk, fosters innovation and drives competitive advantage. For businesses seeking to enhance their AI literacy, the European Commission offers detailed guidance, accessible in their online library: AI Literacy Learning Repository. Leading organisations integrate AI literacy into AI governance frameworks, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities and key performance indicators. Here are the six most effective strategies. 1. Tailored training for different levels of expertise A one-size-fits-all approach to training rarely works. Successful organisations provide: Foundational courses for employees new to AI; and Advanced technical training for developers and data scientists. 2. Hands-on learning with practical applications The best way to understand AI is to use it. Companies should offer their employees: Workshops, case studies and simulations to demonstrate AI’s practical impact; and AI sandbox environments for employees to test and experiment with AI safely. 3. Role-specific AI training Different teams utilise AI in different ways. Finance teams, product managers and engineers all interact with AI in various ways. Tailored training can help to ensure employees receive the relevant knowledge necessary to integrate AI into their workflows effectively. 4. AI mentorship and cross-department collaboration Encouraging knowledge-sharing between AI experts and employees helps bridge skill gaps. Some companies establish AI mentorship programmes where experienced employees guide their peers in AI adoption. 5. Embedding responsible and ethical AI practices Many organisations are integrating responsible AI principles into their training, focusing on transparency, fairness and compliance with AI regulations such as the EU AI Act. In Ireland, the Government introduced principles for public sector organisations early in 2024, and these are still relevant today. 6. Continuous learning AI is evolving rapidly. Training should be ongoing with regular updates and refresher sessions to keep pace with advancements. The impact of AI literacy When AI literacy programmes are effectively implemented, organisations experience significant benefits, including: Increased AI adoption and engagement: Companies have seen an increase in employee participation in AI training and a higher usage of AI tools in daily tasks. According to the AI Literacy Learning Repository, one organisation that implemented an AI literacy programme reported a 30 percent increase in AI training participation and a 65 percent rise in AI tool utilisation. Improved workforce confidence and innovation: Employees who are comfortable with AI use it effectively, leading to better decision-making and new ideas. Operational efficiency gains: AI literacy helps automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows and boost productivity. New AI-driven offerings: Some organisations have leveraged AI literacy training to upskill employees, leading to new AI-driven products and services. Greater consumer trust: Companies that prioritise transparency in AI usage – and educate affected individuals – see higher trust levels. Some businesses even involve clients in AI training sessions. Making AI literacy a business priority Organisations cannot afford to overlook AI literacy, given our rapidly changing world and the requirements of the EU AI Act. Investing in education, practical training and ethical AI practices equips employees with the skills they need to work effectively with AI and allows leadership to make informed decisions on deployment and controls. By addressing challenges and leveraging the best strategies, companies can build an AI-literate workforce that drives innovation, enhances efficiency and ensures responsible AI use while meeting compliance objectives. AI literacy isn’t just about understanding how AI works; it’s about ensuring businesses and employees can utilise AI effectively to create meaningful and positive outcomes. If your organisation hasn’t yet prioritised AI literacy, now is the time to start. David O’Sullivan is Director of Privacy, Digital Trust & AI Governance at Forvis Mazars

A new report from Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW) reveals significant enthusiasm about the use of AI in the profession, with 85% of respondents expressing willingness to use AI tools - and 91% of those aged 18–24 already using the technology. Members of Chartered Accountants Ireland were surveyed alongside respondents from 13 other Chartered bodies around the world, with the findings showing that AI is increasingly integrated into business processes and that the profession is actively embracing change. Chartered Accountants Ireland is the largest professional body on the island of Ireland, representing almost 40,000 members and educating 6,600 students. Key findings: AI is reshaping the profession - 85% of respondents are willing to use AI tools. This rises to 91% among 18–24-year-olds and is accompanied by strong understanding (59%) of the potential uses of AI in accountancy.   AI is already in use - 83% of 18–24-year-olds use AI tools weekly - mainly for general productivity, data entry, reconciliation of accounts, and financial reporting. While 80% of 18–24-year-olds feel confident using AI in their roles, only 47% of those aged 55+ share that confidence. The most used tools are Gen AI chatbots, Microsoft Copilot and business intelligence tools. 45% say AI is already helping them to work more effectively and efficiently. 31% say they are already using traditional AI in their job. 29% are already using generative AI (GenAI) in their job.   Barriers to adoption - 52% of those surveyed state that the biggest barrier to AI adoption is insufficient skills and training. 30% also cite data security concerns as a reason they do not use AI more frequently.   Upskilling is essential - despite a high willingness to use AI, there is a skills gap and feeling of unpreparedness for the changes AI will bring. 30% have participated in AI-related training through their organisation, but 92% are likely to participate if offered the opportunity. 65% expect to receive AI-related training from their professional body, while 32% expect it from employers. Commenting Barry Dempsey, Chief Executive of Chartered Accountants Ireland, said “It is really encouraging to see strong early adoption and enthusiasm in the profession. It is clear from the research, however, that current usage is largely focused on general-purpose productivity tools, rather than technical work, with much of the momentum driven by individual initiative and self-directed learning. “Only 30% have participated in AI-related training through their organisation, and among those that have not engaged in training, 61% say it is because it is not offered. There is a high employee willingness to engage, with 92% saying they are likely to participate if offered the opportunity, so bridging this gap will be crucial to unlocking the further potential of AI for the profession. Smaller practices and businesses may not have the resources to deliver tailored AI training, so it’s essential that professional bodies like ours step in to bridge that gap. There is also an opportunity for the government to play a role in supporting widespread digital upskilling, particularly for SMEs, to ensure no part of the profession is left behind as AI reshapes the business landscape.” AI is an opportunity, not a threat There is consensus in the findings that AI will augment, rather than replace, the Chartered Accountant’s role, with human intelligence remaining at the heart of the profession. Chartered Accountants will continue to rely on core skills, and the training priorities of respondents reflects this: Critical thinking (77% rate this as a priority) Data privacy and security (71% rate this as a priority) AI ethics (66% rate this as a priority) Barry Dempsey continued: “Priorities such as critical thinking, an emphasis on data privacy and security and AI ethics go to the very heart of chartered accountants as trusted business leaders. Critical thinking will continue to be crucial in scrutinising and applying AI insights to provide effective advice to business/clients. Similarly, with increased AI use, it's even more important to ensure structured, effective training to use technology ethically and protect data responsibly. “56% of respondents agree that incorporating AI makes accountancy more attractive as a career choice and we remain committed to equipping the next generation of Chartered Accountants with the skills and mindset to lead in a world shaped by innovation, from their first steps as students to their roles as future business leaders.” Read the report in full CAW_AI-in-Accountancy-web.pdf  Read media coverage Chartered accountants confident about adoption of AI in their work, survey finds – The Irish Times