Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)

I thank the witnesses for being here. It has been very informative and useful for the committee.

Age Ireland and ALONE were here last week and similar problems came across. We are particularly concerned about affordability and the inequality that is built into the systems. For disabled people, as was said a moment ago, the equipment is far more expensive. It is a good idea to have a non-means tested allowance for technology. It is important. That could be explored.

The witnesses spoke about universal design and affordability and transparency regulations. That came up with almost all the people we are dealing with, which makes it a common theme. Do the disability organisations think that there is enough consultation between them, companies and the Government authorities on AI policy development?

How can we ensure disabled people are represented in the training data sets that were mentioned?

What role should the NDA or another regulator play in auditing AI systems and disability bias? Do the witnesses think an AI ombudsman should be established?