Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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368. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the current and potential impact of artificial intelligence on the creative industries; the actions being taken by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2464/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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The European Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) entered into force on 1 August 2024. The Act aims to foster responsible artificial intelligence development and deployment in the EU. The Act highlights that Artificial Intelligence holds immense promise for transforming creative industries, and its integration must be handled thoughtfully to balance innovation with ethical, economic, and legal considerations.

My Department conducted a public consultation on National Implementation of the AI Act in May 2024. Respondents widely acknowledged the need to identify and address potential synergies between the implementation of the EU AI Act and other related EU regulations and directives including copyright and related rights. Effective implementation of the AI Act will require close coordination and information-sharing between the various national competent authorities and supervisory bodies responsible for these different regulatory frameworks.

‘National AI Strategy Refresh’ was published in November 2024. This review of Ireland’s National AI Strategy takes account of the significant developments in AI technology and regulation. There is the emphasis on AI's transformative potential for businesses, advocating for increased AI adoption to improve competitiveness and productivity with need for responsible AI use and public trust-building, alongside fostering regulatory frameworks and public sector initiatives. This refreshed strategy reinforces Ireland's commitment to unlocking AI's potential for business and society while prioritising ethics, trust, and innovation. AI also offers significant opportunities for the creative sector, acting as a powerful enabler that can enhance artistic expression.

My Department is committed to leading in the EU AI Act's effective implementation and aims to position Ireland as a global leader in leveraging AI for economic and societal benefits while ensuring its ethical, people-centered development and use.