Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I fully concur with the Senator on the need to build public confidence in this technology. We have to build trust. One of the ways to do that is to ensure we have the proportionate regulatory framework in place. That is why Ireland, from our perspective, is working at a European level and feeding into the work being done there on the AI Act, which will set a harmonised set of rules for the development, placement on the market and use of AI systems, which will be proportionate and risk-based. As a small open economy, there are no boundaries to the use of technology. It is in that context it is right and proper for us to engage in the regulatory framework from a European perspective.

Regarding having wider engagement, that is why we appointed Dr. Patricia Scanlon who is an expert in this field. She will lead a national conversation in this area and regarding the whole area of skills. That report of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs was published only two weeks ago. We will be implementing its recommendations. There will be job displacement but there will also be new job opportunities because of the use of AI. It is important we provide the necessary training in order that people can avail of the new opportunities this will present.