James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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59. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the initiatives his Department is taking in the area of artificial intelligence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30042/21]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Artificial Intelligence is an important transformational digital technology which has a significant role to play in unlocking productivity, addressing societal challenges and delivering improved public services over the coming years.

My Department is leading on the development of a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which will provide a high-level direction to the design, development and deployment of AI in Ireland. It will serve as a roadmap to how Ireland can leverage the potential offered by AI technologies and ensure the appropriate safeguards are in place so that AI is developed and used in a manner that is fair, transparent and builds public trust.

The vision of the Strategy is that Ireland will be an international leader in using AI to the benefit of our population, through a people-centred, ethical approach to AI development, adoption and use. By delivering on this vision, AI will play its part in making Ireland a better place to work and live – fairer, greener, more prosperous and more successful in the global marketplace.

The strategy will set out an approach to leveraging AI for economic and societal benefit. It will also look at the main enablers for widespread development, adoption and use of AI, including a strong innovation ecosystem, skills and talent, and a supportive data and digital infrastructure. A theme that runs through the entire strategy is Government’s commitment to an ethical approach to AI.

It is anticipated that the Strategy will be launched this summer.