Public sector workers have expressed concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their workplaces.
Delegates have passed a number of motions on AI at the biennial conference of Fórsa, the country's largest public sector trade union.
Fórsa delegate Ursula Cox told the conference that AI is reshaping the way people work, interact, and live.
"When it comes to the development of AI, we need to be cautious of the implications on our workforce," Ms Cox said.
"Staff will need to understand how AI works, the associated risks and opportunities, and be able to determine whether outcomes are as expected, or if corrective action is needed.
"We need to inform policy development and be prepared to mitigate against potential threats to our workforce," she added.
One of the AI motions called for the union to carry out an analysis of the threats and opportunities posed by the technology and to develop training and education resources for staff.
Another motion, calling for a policy of de-automation of government services, was narrowly passed by delegates even though it was opposed by the Fórsa national executive.
Remote working
More than 700 delegates are attending the Fórsa conference in Killarney and around 200 motions are being debated on topics including pay, housing, sick leave, pensions and the rise of the far right.
The convention began on Wednesday and will conclude this afternoon.
At today's session, several motions on remote working were passed.
They called for the protection of people's work-life balance and the right to disconnect.
One motion raised concerns over 'insidious tools' and tracking devices used by companies to monitor remote workers.
"This conference calls on the incoming National Executive Committee to ensure that our employer(s) should never be allowed conduct any remote monitoring by installing such software or tools," the motion stated.
Another motion called on the union to investigate and propose a sensible approach to blended working expenses to cover things like electricity and heating.
Guest speakers
Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, will address the conference this afternoon.
Delegates have also heard from a range of leading trade unionists including Esther Lynch, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation, Owen Reidy, General Secretary, Irish Congress of Trade Unions and Phil Ní Sheaghdha, General Secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives' Organisation.
