Written answers
Thursday, 29 June 2023
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Information and Communications Technology
Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
38. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how he proposes to ensure that artificial intelligence is developed and used in a manner that is in line with basic human rights and values; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31383/23]
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
AI and other digital technologies are touching and transforming every aspect of our lives. In order to ensure Ireland is prepared for this transformation, Government developed a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy; AI – Here for Good, which was launched in July 2021, and set out a vision that Ireland would 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.
A core part of the strategy is a governance ecosystem that promotes trustworthy AI, and much has been achieved in this area since the strategy was launched.
The EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA) is a groundbreaking regulation which applies to all AI developed and used in the EU. It was developed to ensure the protection of fundamental rights and user safety, as well as to build trust in the development and uptake of AI. It addresses the risks generated by specific uses of AI through a set of complementary, proportionate and flexible rules, while also setting out the governance structure for compliance to reduce risk and to ensure transparency, accountability and robustness of the systems. The AIA does not regulate the technology but rather the use of the technology, so new and evolving AI technologies will fall within its scope, particularly where the health, safety and/or fundamental rights of the individual may be negatively impacted.
The European Parliament agreed its approach by plenary vote on 14th June 2023, and my officials are now consulting with relevant stakeholders to refine Ireland’s position on the text. The incoming Spanish Presidency has indicated that it is prioritising this file, and officials in my department, who are leading on this negotiation, will work with all parties to ensure that agreement is reached as quickly as possible while working to ensure that the regulation is flexible and fit for purpose and that the fundamental rights and safety of the individual are central.
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 also being led by Officials in my Department and it is expected that negotiations will conclude by April 2024.
Together, the EU AI regulation and the Council of Europe's Convention on AI will provide a comprehensive framework for the design, development and use of AI in the EU, ensuring that we have a regulatory space that is flexible and future-proofed and which provides for the ongoing safety and protection of the fundamental rights of the individual.
Preparations for AI standards and certification - in the EU and here in Ireland - are also well progressed. Much progress has also been made in preparing our skills infrastructure to deliver the skills that will be needed, so that the workforce is prepared for AI adoption.
Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
39. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how he proposes to ensure a modern, cohesive and well-resourced regulatory framework for digital businesses. [31435/23]
Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Government restated its commitment to a well-resourced, modern and coherent regulatory framework for digital in the National Digital Strategy, which was launched in February 2022.
We have made many advances towards delivering on this commitment.
A Senior Officials Group for Digital Issues (SOG Digital) has been established with the aim of ensuring coherence across all Departments with digital policy responsibilities. It meets 9 or 10 times a year, reporting to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery. My Department plays a central role on that Group.
There is also regular engagement between that Senior Officials Group and the four main digital regulators (the Digital Regulators' Group) as well as direct engagement with industry.
My Department also chairs a weekly meeting to which Departments that have live EU negotiations on digital files attend. This meeting provides a forum for information sharing and discussion on cross-cutting issues that arise during those negotiations.
Collectively these co-ordination measures allow for the detection of cross-overs and synergies across the complex suite of new digital laws and provides for fora at which implementation measures can be discussed. Outputs are used to inform Government in their work on a coherent framework for digital regulation.
My Department is also responsible for the implementation of the EU’s Digital Services Act in Ireland.
In March this year Government approved the General Scheme for the Digital Service Bill which will give effect to designation of Coimisiún na Meán as Ireland’s lead competent authority. Provisions were made in the General Scheme that are designed to support joined up working by Coimisiún na Meán and other regulators, both in Ireland and across the EU, which will promote coherence and maximise resources.
Government also approved an allocation of €2.7 million to my Department for 2023 to fund Coimisiún na Meán in its lead role for implementing the EU’s Digital Services Act in Ireland. This funding has allowed recruitment to be progressed for a Commissioner for Digital Services and for other staff so that Coimisiún na Meán has the resources available to undertake preparatory work and ensure that Ireland is fully equipped for the implementation and enforcement of the Digital Services Act by 17 February 2024, when it comes into full effect. My Department is now working to identify what resources will be needed for Coimisiún na Meán after the 17 February 2024 when the Digital Services Act’s full enforcement network is up and running.
My Department also has responsibility for negotiations at EU level on the proposed Artificial Intelligence Act and proposed Data Act. Regulatory Impact Assessments are being undertaken by my officials which will identify implementation and enforcement frameworks that will inform how these regulations can be implemented in manner that supports coherency of the regulatory framework in Ireland.
Ensuring that the regulatory framework in Ireland is well resourced and properly connected will continue to be a priority for my Department so as to ensure an effective, coherent digital regulatory environment is available for businesses.
No comments