Lynn Ruane (Independent)

I apologise for not being here for the opening statement, but I read it in detail. I had a clash.

I will go through my specific questions for each individual and I will go through all the questions before people respond because of time. I will start with Dr. Scanlon first. She has spoken about the ethical implications of AI. How, in everyday language, does the council plan to ensure the voices from working class and more marginalised communities, who may not have very technical backgrounds, are genuinely reflected in Ireland's AI governance frameworks?

My second question is for Professor Smeaton. When we talk about the algorithmic bias, technical solutions often dominate the conversation. Will he draw on his experience in computing to outline what he believes to be the single most effective non-technical approach to addressing bias in AI systems?

Will Professor Ahern draw on her legal expertise and her experience as a member of the AI advisory council to explain, in simple terms, what legal recourse an ordinary citizen currently has if he or she believes an AI system has discriminated against him or her? What specific improvements in these remedies is the council advocating for?

Ms Bronagh Riordan has spent more than 20 years in data analytics. What is the one common but often overlooked source of bias in commercial AI applications that particularly affects disadvantaged communities? What practical steps can Irish regulators take to ensure companies properly address this issue?

My final question is for Mr. Blanchfield. As a member of the AI advisory council while also running an AI start-up company, how does he balance his commercial interests with the ethical considerations, particularly when addressing bias that might affect communities who are not represented in his customer base or workforce?