'Decent work, competitiveness, and benefits' Mayo Minister addresses International Labour Conference in Geneva
Employment Minister highlights the role of AI, workers’ rights and social partnership at the International Labour Organisation gathering
Mayo Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail Alan Dillon has addressed delegates from around the world at the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, where he led Ireland’s delegation at the annual gathering of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Minister Dillon represented Ireland at the conference, which brings together governments, employers and workers from across the globe to discuss labour standards, workplace rights and the future of work.
He delivered Ireland’s plenary address in response to the ILO Director-General’s report, ‘A Moment of Choice: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Decent Work’, focusing on the opportunities and challenges presented by rapidly advancing technology.
Minister Dillon emphasised the importance of collaboration between governments, employers and workers.
“The most durable and positive outcomes continue to be achieved when employers, workers and governments advance together in partnership,” he said. “This is where the ILO, with its tripartite structure and normative mandate, is uniquely placed to facilitate collaboration on these vital issues.”
During his visit to Geneva, the minister also engaged with participants involved in negotiations on proposals to develop new international labour standards for the growing platform economy, which includes sectors such as app-based and digital employment.
He encouraged those involved to work constructively towards agreements that reflect the changing nature of modern work.
Speaking about artificial intelligence and its impact on employment, Minister Dillon said the challenge facing governments and workplaces was not simply adopting new technologies but ensuring they deliver benefits for workers and society.
“The challenge is not simply technological adoption in itself, but ensuring that this transformation advances decent work, supports competitiveness, and secures benefits that are broadly shared across our societies,” he said.
Ireland also co-hosted a special event during the conference marking the centenary of the Committee on the Application of Standards. This highlighted the country’s long-standing involvement in the development and oversight of international labour standards.
The event recognised Ireland’s historic contribution to the ILO supervisory system and reaffirmed support for maintaining strong international labour protections.
Before concluding his visit, Minister Dillon met with Ireland’s tripartite delegation, including representatives from the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, employer group Ibec and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).
The International Labour Conference is the principal decision-making body of the ILO and plays a key role in shaping global labour policies, workplace standards and employment rights.