James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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68. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how he proposes to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a way that is ethical and person-centred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51222/23]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I published a progress report on our National AI Strategy - "AI - Here for Good" on 9 August 2023, the overarching aim of which is to drive the development and deployment of human centred, ethical, trustworthy AI tools.

The Progress Report highlighted many of the achievements so far. These include the appointment of an AI Ambassador, Dr. Patricia Scanlon and the completion of her first year in the role, establishing an Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum, publishing the NSAI’s AI Standards and Assurance Roadmap, and establishing Ireland’s European Digital Innovation Hub for AI – CeADAR.

Priorities for the year ahead include supporting businesses, enterprise, and workers on AI adoption as well as upskilling, reskilling and adapting, including through this AI Innovation Hub. My Department will work closely with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on principles and guidelines for the use of AI in the public sector. Regulation is an enormous part of our approach and influencing the regulation of AI in Ireland and internationally, in particular, the development of the EU AI Act is another of my priorities.

The Act sets out harmonised rules for the development, placement on the market and use of AI systems in the Union. The proposed regulation aims to ensure the protection of fundamental rights and user safety, as well as trust in the development and uptake of AI, thereby enhancing EU investment and innovation.

My officials are also actively involved in negotiations on the Council of Europe legal convention on AI. Together, these guardrails will ensure trust in AI and in turn support ongoing, responsible innovation in this area.