The Irish Congress of Trade Unions' group of healthcare unions has said that any integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the public health service must be done in consultation with workers.
On Wednesday, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill launched AI for Care, Ireland's first national strategy on AI in health and social care.
The plan sets out how AI will improve care by delivering benefits such as faster diagnosis, better patient flow, less paperwork for clinicians, earlier detection of disease, more consistent care, and greater efficiency.
Healthcare unions have expressed disappointment, claiming that the document was published without adequate engagement with worker representatives.
"For the potential benefits of AI to be seen in our public health system, or for the significant risks to be appropriately mitigated, the members we represent must be involved in development and implementation, with codesign at the heart of all steps," said INMO Deputy General Secretary Edward Mathews.
"This must be coupled with appropriate safeguards, and time and resources provided to facilitate staff involvement and to train staff up on new systems, alongside clear lines of accountability and safety measures in place to protect patients," Mr Mathews said.
SIPTU Head of Health Division Kevin Figgis said the future of healthcare provision in Ireland must be human-led.
"The Irish public health service must be seen as an attractive place to work that is at the cutting edge of future technology but is one that is staffed correctly and safely," Mr Figgis said.
Fórsa Head of Health and Welfare Division, Ashley Connolly said unions have sought an urgent meeting with the Chief Technology Officer of the HSE to discuss the implementation of AI policy within the public health service.
"Any advancement of AI initiatives must be accompanied by appropriate protections to ensure that patient care remains safeguarded through effective human oversight," Ms Connolly said.
