Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The proposed EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA) sets out harmonised rules for the development, placement on the market and use of AI systems in the Union. This Regulation follows a proportionate, risk-based approach where certain particularly harmful AI practices are prohibited, while specific restrictions and safeguards are proposed in relation to certain high-risk areas. The Regulation aims to ensure the protection of fundamental rights and user safety, as well as to build trust in the development and uptake of AI, thereby enhancing EU investment and innovation.

Ireland welcomes the development of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA) and the progress that has been made both at Council and at the European Parliament. The incoming Spanish Presidency has indicated that it is prioritising this file and it is expected that this Regulation will be agreed by the end of 2023 or early 2024.

Ireland is also actively participating in the Council of Europe's negotiations on a Legal Convention on AI which is underpinned by human rights, democracy and rule of law. This is being led by Officials in my Department.

Together, the EU AI regulation and the Council of Europe's Framework Convention on AI will provide a comprehensive framework for the use and development of AI, ensuring a regulatory space that is flexible and future-proofed, providing for the ongoing safety and fundamental rights of the individual while also ensuring innovation can take place.

At a National Level, my Department published the National AI Strategy “AI – Here for Good” in July 2021. Underpinning our Strategy are three core principles to best embrace the opportunities of AI:

• adopting a human-centric approach to the application of AI;
• staying open and adaptable to new innovations; and
• ensuring good governance to build trust and confidence forinnovation to flourish.

The National AI Strategy is aligned with the evolving EU policy direction of ensuring both an ecosystem of excellence and an ecosystem of trust. The strategy is in favour of a governance and regulatory framework that avoids setting unnecessary barriers to responsible innovation.

Substantial progress has been made on its implementation across various parts of Government in the two years since its launch and my officials are finalising an implementation report which will be published shortly.

My Department and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer jointly chair a working group which is tasked with developing Principles and Guidelines for the ethical and human-centric use of AI in the public sector. The group consists of a number of AI experts and senior representatives from other Government Departments which may have the capacity to use AI tools in their functions.Work on these principles is progressing and once finalised, these will be submitted to government for adoption.

In addition, the National Standards of Ireland (NSAI) is developing an AI Standards and Assurance Roadmap which will be launch later this summer. Standards, at an international, European and national level will play a crucial role in facilitating the adoption of AI technologies as trustworthy, ethical and safe technology.