Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The draft EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA) sets out harmonised rules for the design, development, placement on the market and use of AI systems in the Union. 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. The proposal aims to address the risks generated by specific uses of AI through a set of complementary, proportionate, and flexible rules.

Ireland very much welcomes the development of the AIA and the progress that has been made both at Council and at the European Parliament to advance this important file. Given that AI has evolved significantly in the last months, it is important that this regulation is flexible and future proofed to ensure that it continues to protect the safety and fundamental rights of the individual while at the same time, ensuring that innovation for good continues in this area.

The European Parliament agreed its approach by plenary vote on 14th June 2023. My officials are currently examining the text and consulting with relevant stakeholders to refine Ireland’s position on the text. We are supportive of measures that provide clarity and reassurance to all stakeholders engaged in this complex and evolving area, and particularly measures which help to ensure a level playing field in Europe.

We are aware there that there are still some matters that will require more detailed discussion, and this will be a priority for my Department over the coming weeks and months. It is already clear from the first Trilogue meeting that some issues like an agreed definition of AI will be more difficult to resolve than others. However, given how quickly this technology has evolved over the last months, it is clear that there is a willingness amongst all parties to move forward and to reach an agreement on this regulation by the end of 2023 or very early into 2024.