Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am picking up different views across the board. Some people see it as light regulation; others feel it is stifling. That is my job and I take that responsibility. It is hugely important. As the Deputy will know, the Draghi report, which was published some months ago, acknowledges the fact that across the EU regulation has had a tendency to be very bureaucratic and to hold people back from developing their businesses. There is a concerted determination within this Department, led by the Minister on competitive piece. That is why we are currently drawing up an action plan that answers that. Lighter, faster and simpler is the theme across Europe. That is not to say regulation is non-existent or a light touch in anyway. Citizens and companies know where this is going because of the EU AI Act. They know where this is going in terms of what Ireland is heading towards for August 2025 and in terms of the enforcement piece. We are trying to do it in a very collaborative way in order that businesses have certainty and citizens can be brought on board as well.