Joanna Byrne (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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33. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will consider the development of a comprehensive creative AI strategy to protect the rights and livelihoods of those working in the Irish music industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10151/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The potential impact of AI on the creative sector, including those in music, is an issue of which I and my Government colleagues are well aware. There is no doubt that AI is reshaping Ireland's creative sector, presenting both transformative opportunities and significant risks for creators and the preservation of cultural identity.

To obtain expert guidance, insights, and recommendations in regard to emerging issues in this area, my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, established the AI Advisory Council, an independent body to provide expert advice to the Irish Government on all aspects of artificial intelligence. The Council comprises leading experts from academia, industry and civil society and it has just launched an advice paper last month looking at the impact of AI on Ireland's Creative Sector.

The paper states that AI offers significant opportunities for the creative sector, acting as a powerful enabler that can enhance artistic expression, and the Government should assist the creative sector in adopting this new technology. The Council is also of the view that the Government considers whether Ireland's copyright laws and licensing regimes are equipped to address AI disruption. In light of the potential misuse of AI, such as the digital cloning of images, likenesses, and/or voices of individuals, the AI Advisory Council recommends that the Government considers introducing a specific law prohibiting the creation of digital "deep fakes" of individuals without their consent. Beyond legal approaches, the Advisory Council recommends that the Government explores other policy initiatives aimed at promoting and fostering Irish and European culture in the age of AI.

My Department will consider the views of the Council and the role it can play in co-operation with other relevant Departments in both availing of the transformative opportunity of AI while meeting the many challenges it presents.

One of the related areas my Department is already active is in the development of the Digital Creative Industries Roadmap 2024-2026, which was published in January 2024 as part of the Creative Ireland programme.

The Digital Creative Industries Forum has been established under this roadmap and it is co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment bringing together relevant Departments, State Agencies and industry bodies representing the four target areas:

• Design sectors
• Digital games sector;
• Immersive technologies; and
• Content creation sectors.