Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Central Statistics Office data shows that in 2023, AI was used by 8% of Irish enterprises with ten or more employees. The benefits of AI are well-rehearsed and no doubt it will revolutionise the way in which businesses operate in this country and in the global market. It is a very exciting time of innovation but it also carries risks and it has the potential to significantly impact both human rights and equality and the national security of the State. Why, therefore, has the Government not listed the regulation of artificial intelligence Bill as priority legislation? The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment held a public consultation almost a year ago, yet there is still no clarity on who the competent authorities responsible for implementing the regulation and penalties for non-compliance will be. People need to know that their data, privacy and human rights will be protected as we navigate the new digital reality. As our use of AI grows, what is the Government doing to ensure that data centres are not placing further strain on the national grid and contributing to emissions?

Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh: Central Statistics Office, CSO, data shows that in 2023, AI was used by 8% of Irish enterprises with ten or more employees. The benefits of AI are well-re

In February, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities produced guidelines stating that any new development must generate or store as much electricity as it uses but there is no requirement that this energy comes from renewable sources. This could see a multiple of new gas and oil power plants built to run their electricity-hungry operations, placing Ireland's climate targets in jeopardy. This is something we must look at. We can do it properly. We can set the scene so this works for businesses, the economy and society. We need to act.

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