Keira Keogh (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State and her officials. I was not physically in the room earlier but I was listening online, thanks to modern technology.

This is a blunt question. I am not questioning Deputy Smyth's ability as Minister of State for AI but does she think the role has been allocated to the right Department? This is a broad question. I come from a psychology background. I know we need to support our SME sector, but the allocation of this remit to the Department of enterprise shows that there is an obvious focus on SMEs and enterprise. Do we need an official in every single Department that will be affected by AI, including children, health, disability and education? The Minister of State said there has been some ongoing engagement with the Department of education and various Departments but I wish to understand that a bit more.

Similar to what Senator Ruane asked earlier, are we leaving different sectors behind? We have good plans for regulations and for supporting SMEs but we also have ideas around education and bridging the gap. What are the Minister of State's thoughts on that?