Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I echo Senator Wall's remarks, and equally those of Senator O'Loughlin concerning the foster allowance. I would like that we would also invite the Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth with responsibility for disability, Deputy Anne Rabbitte, to address the question of disparity in pay which exists between section 38 and 39 organisations. The Leader will be aware that for the provision of disability services in particular, we rely around the country on voluntary services, but because of the pay disparity that exists, it is becoming very difficult for a lot of those voluntary organisations to retain staff and that is having a knock-on impact on respite services in particular for the families who are involved. I know the Minister of State is aware of this, but I would appreciate the opportunity to have a debate on that question.

The Leader will also be aware that this morning, during the excellent discussion we had with the European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Union, Ms Mairead McGuinness, I raised the question of the impact of artificial intelligence, AI, and the EU Artificial Intelligence Act. The Act will be later this month, subject to a vote at European Parliament level. There will then be negotiations between the member states. It is really important that the EU sets the global agenda on policymaking around AI and emerging technologies. We have to co-operate with other democracies. Canada, for instance, is working on legislation in this space as well, and 12 MEPs have called on the European Commission President, Ms Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the United States, Mr. Joe Biden, to convene a global summit on AI. Given how crucial the data economy is to Ireland and the fact that we are a hub for the data economy, Ireland should looks to host this global summit, and should provide leadership with regard to AI policymaking globally. As a first step, the idea of a select committee on the impact of AI and emerging technologies, coming from this House, would be useful. The technological revolution is going to change all our lives in so many ways, and we have an obligation, for all of our citizens, to be prepared for it.