Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Technologies and their uses are evolving rapidly, presenting a global challenge to create regulatory frameworks that are adaptable and flexible enough to accommodate future developments.

Within my Department, we are actively engaged in digital regulation negotiations at the EU level. We emphasise the necessity of striking a delicate balance in Europe between implementing measures essential for securing the digital economy while fostering innovation and growth without hindrance. Additionally, we advocate strongly for upholding the country-of-origin principle.

Specifically, my Department is currently leading on several recent and forthcoming digital regulations.

We are tasked with implementing the EU Digital Services Act into Irish law, a regulation that officially became part of EU law in November 2022 and which is set to be fully enforced in Member States from 17 February 2024. This regulation mandates due diligence obligations on online intermediary service providers to enhance consumer protection and safeguard fundamental rights online. It establishes robust transparency and clear accountability frameworks for online platforms while promoting innovation, growth, and competitiveness within the single market.

My Department officials are currently collaborating with the Office of the Parliamentary Council to draft the Digital Services Bill which will give effect to the Digital Services Act in national law, including designating Coimisiún na Meán as the lead competent authority, known as the Digital Services Coordinator.

Furthermore, officials in my Department are actively identifying provisions within the EU's Digital Markets Act that necessitate national implementing measures. The Digital Markets Act aims to ensure fair online behaviour of large online platforms acting as "gatekeepers" in digital markets. These gatekeepers must comply with the DMA by March 2024 at the latest.

My Department holds the responsibility for EU-level negotiations on the proposed Artificial Intelligence Act and Data Act. Officials are conducting Regulatory Impact Assessments to devise implementation and enforcement frameworks for these Acts, ensuring coherent and effective regulation, with functions being assigned to the appropriate bodies. The Spanish Presidency has highlighted these files as a priority. We expect the AI Act to be agreed by late 2023 or early 2024.

Moreover, my Department is concurrently involved in negotiations of the Council of Europe of Legal Convention on AI, with the negotiations of the AI Liability Directive to recommence shortly, to ensure consistency and legal certainty for businesses and consumers in this rapidly evolving sector.

My Department plays a key role in the Senior Officials Group for Digital Issues (SOG Digital) and also chairs a weekly interdepartmental meeting on digital files. These initiatives allow for the detection of cross-overs and synergies across the complex suite of new digital regulations.

Maintaining a strong focus on adequately resourcing and fostering connectivity within Ireland's regulatory framework remains a key priority for my Department. This dedication is aimed at guaranteeing a seamless and effective digital regulatory environment for businesses.