Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I begin by echoing the concerns expressed by my colleague Senator Ardagh. The European Union Artificial Intelligence Act will probably be the most significant legislation enacted this decade.It is the world's first comprehensive law on AI. I know we had a Commencement debate on this, but things are moving quite quickly. This week, the German Government agreed to support the new AI Act. It has been signalled as a priority for a number of EU member states. The Leader will be aware that I have been seeking a select or special committee on AI in these Houses.

Given the pace at which change is happening within this space, however, it is important for us to be informed as to our Government's approach to the AI Act and, indeed, the impact of this regulation, how innovation will continue to be fostered and how the necessary guard rails will be put in place. The Minister of State, Deputy Calleary, has been doing an awful lot of good work in this space, but it might be appropriate for the House to be informed of the progress concerning the AI Act, which will be agreed during the mandate of this commission.

I was going to raise the question of the referendum, but not those in March, rather the referendum on the unified patent system that will be happening in June, which, it is fair to say, is not generating the same level of excitement perhaps as the referendums in March. It is important, however, given that this will be a single patent court system for member states. It is critical for innovators, inventors and creators and business that we have a debate in this House. I am conscious there will be a debate on the legislation for the referendum. The particular fear I have, however, is that as it will be conducted alongside the European elections and become a debate about something completely different from the actual context of the referendum. I ask that because of the importance of Ireland's membership of the unified patent system, we join the 17 members that have already joined and that this take place as soon as possible.