Mr. Liam Herrick:

The Deputy is very familiar with this given her previous roles but, for the benefit of all of the members of the committee, the Paris Principles are a set of guidelines that set standards to measure the independence of a body like a national human rights institution from Government and that body's relationship with the parliament. There is an objective system of measurement and an independent body assesses this. The principles deal with questions about independence in appointments, financial independence, operational independence, independence in recruiting staff and independence in the execution of powers. We have powers to intervene in legal proceedings and we have certain enforcement functions. These operate without fear or favour as regards our relationship with Government. I am happy to say that, in the 11 years the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has been in existence and during the lifetime of its predecessor body, the Irish Human Rights Commission, going back to 2001, there has never been Government interference in the operation of the body. That model of standards for independence has been applied in other areas. Under the EU migration pact, the EU is setting guidelines as to how the oversight mechanisms under the pact should reference the Paris Principles as regards ensuring independence. It is our understanding that the AI Act sets a bar, basic requirements for each State in transposing it. However, as always under EU law, it is open to member states to aspire to a higher standard of protection. A higher standard of independence should also be required. To go back to the Deputy's initial question, we are very clear that, as the national AI office will have enforcement functions, it will need to have a high level of independence, whether that meets the Paris Principles standards or otherwise.