Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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106. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the AI Act at EU level and his plans for the enactment of same in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23092/24]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The EU Artificial Intelligence Act was adopted at the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Telecoms Council) two days ago, Tuesday 21st May, and is expected to enter into force next month. Its various provisions will apply, in a phased manner, over the subsequent 36 months.

This is a pioneering Act, the first comprehensive regulation addressing the risks that can arise from certain Artificial Intelligence systems, and I am very pleased that the EU is leading globally on one of the most important regulatory challenges of our time.

The Act will lay down a uniform legal framework for the development and use of Artificial Intelligence systems in the European Union. This framework will promote the uptake of human-centric Artificial Intelligence in conformity with Union values, and will provide for a high level of protection against potentially harmful effects of Artificial Intelligence systems. The Act contains specific measures in support of innovation, with a particular focus on SMEs.

The AI Act will establish a sophisticated governance and implementation structure at both national and EU level to ensure robust and harmonised implementation of the regulations in the Act. This includes the creation of a European Artificial Intelligence Board and a European Artificial Intelligence Office. The European Commission will develop guidelines and codes of practice over the next 12 months to support the application of the Regulation. Primary legislation will be required for the transposition of the regulation into national law.

My Department is leading on the national implementation of this Act. My officials are considering the optimal national structure for efficient and effective enforcement of the provisions of the Act and are actively discussing the arrangements with other Government Departments and relevant public bodies. On Tuesday, to coincide with the adoption of the Act, my department launched a public consultation on the implementation of the EU AI Act in Ireland, and I would encourage all interested parties to engage in this process and to submit their views.

Information on the consultation, including how to make a submission, is available on the Department's website. The deadline for receipt of submissions is 5pm on Tuesday, 16 July 2024.

I am committed to the comprehensive and robust implementation of the Act in Ireland.