A timely discussion on the future of artificial intelligence in education brought together policymakers, researchers and educators at the Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey recently. The event, Artificial Intelligence and Education: Are We Ready?, explored how AI is rapidly transforming how students learn, what they learn, and how their progress is assessed, with a focus on both the opportunities and challenges shaping the sector.
Hosted by Malcolm Byrne, TD, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence, the forum included contributions from Niamh Smyth, TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Artificial Intelligence, Prof. Alan Smeaton of the Government’s AI Advisory Council, and Laura Grehan of the ADAPT Centre, alongside a range of education and industry speakers. The event was supported by Google.
Laura, Head of Education, Engagement and Societal Impact at ADAPT, focused on the key questions Ireland must now address as AI reshapes learning. She highlighted the growing gap between students’ use of AI and an assessment system still designed for a pre-AI era, alongside the need to build teacher confidence through ongoing support.
Key themes from her presentation included:
Developing critical AI literacy, enabling educators and students to question, evaluate and use AI responsibly Treating AI literacy as a shared societal responsibility Protecting inclusion, particularly for the Irish language Examining who controls AI tools in education
Laura also stressed the need for clear, practical guidance for schools and parents, rather than relying on high-level principles. Drawing on insights from ADAPT’s #DiscussAI AI literacy and dialogue initiative, she highlighted a growing public appetite for open and transparent conversations about AI. Central to her message was that real progress will come through continuous dialogue, reflection and the sharing of experiences across schools, communities and policymakers.
Laura’s conclusion was clear: conversation, dialogue and collaboration will be essential to ensuring AI is used in education effectively, safely and responsibly.
Image: The AI and Education seminar in Gorey are Laura Grehan, Laura Kalda, Malcolm Byrne TD, Minister Niamh Smyth, Derek Nolan, Alan Smeaton, Reuban Murray and Patrick Hickey. Photo: Sabrina French
