Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join the Leas-Chathaoirleach in welcoming Bonniconlon ICA. I hope they are having a good day.

I acknowledge Senator Flynn’s remarks but I have outlined that legally, we cannot accept some of the amendments due to the Attorney General's advice and due to the fact they are captured within the Bill. Amendment No. 5 is also captured within the Bill.

Dual-use items and military equipment will be subject to export licensing requirements, irrespective of whether they incorporate automated means. We are in ongoing engagement with the EU on the regulation of artificial intelligence so we can harness the societal and economic benefits it promises, while simultaneously protecting our citizens from harmful or nefarious applications of this technology. The engagements relate to the regulation of the use of artificial intelligence within the EU through the EU’s forthcoming AI Act as well as in relation to export controls.

In the context of export controls, AI is one of several new and emerging technologies, including quantum technology, which are being assessed by the European Commission in conjunction with member states, including Ireland. This assessment aims to identify the new and unique risks these technologies will give rise to and appropriate mitigating measures, including enhanced export controls.

Section 4 of the Bill will require the Minister of the day to prepare an annual report on the operation of the Act and for that report to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas. Section 4(2)(e) provides that this report should include information on sectoral trends in policy, including new EU legislation and controls relating to dual-use or military items. Therefore, it is our contention the Bill already provides for a report to both Houses of the Oireachtas on EU developments relating to enhanced export controls for dual-use or military items that utilise automated means or AI. Because the Bill already captures what the amendment seeks to achieve, I cannot accept the amendment.