Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

365. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to address the concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32479/25]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I would like to thank the Deputy for bringing this correspondence to my attention.

As you will be aware, AI has the potential to bring about numerous positive changes in our economy and society, including increased competitiveness of Irish enterprise, improved healthcare, and enhanced delivery of public services. At the same time, I recognise that this rapidly evolving technology can also present substantial challenges for our society in relation to safety, privacy, and fundamental rights.

The EU Artificial Intelligence Act, which came into force in August 2024, provides a comprehensive legal framework for ensuring that the AI sector in Ireland develops in a responsible and ethical manner. Ireland played an active and constructive role in the development of the AI Act to ensure it aligns with the Government’s commitment to human rights and ethical considerations in technological advancements.

The AI Act is designed to provide a high level of protection to people’s health, safety, and fundamental rights and to simultaneously promote the adoption of human-centric, trustworthy AI. Its risk-based approach, which prohibits unacceptable AI practices and establishes requirements for high-risk systems, will be instrumental in protecting our citizens from potential harms from AI systems. By adhering to its principles, I believe that Ireland can harness the power of AI for societal benefit, while mitigating the risks.

My Department is leading the national implementation of the AI Act, with collaborative efforts across the whole-of-government, due to its complexity, breadth of scope, and cross-cutting nature. In the summer 2024, the department conducted a six-week public consultation to inform Government’s approach on the national implementation and received 62 submissions from wide range of stakeholders including private individuals, enterprise, and civil society organisations. This inclusive approach underscores the Government’s absolute commitment to effective and comprehensive implementation of the AI Act in Ireland.

The AI Act will help Ireland build on the building blocks it has already put in place to strengthen AI governance in Ireland.

Ireland's first National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, 'AI – Here for Good' was launched in July 2021, and The Refresh of the Strategy was published in November 2024. The strategy serves as a roadmap for how Ireland can leverage the potential of AI for unlocking productivity, for addressing societal challenges, and for delivering public services. It envisions a future for Ireland as an international leader in using AI to the benefit of business, public services, and - most importantly - for people, through a people-centred, ethical approach to AI development, adoption and use.

The AI Advisory Council was established in January 2024 to provide independent expert advice to government on artificial intelligence policy. Its members represent a spectrum of experience and expertise from academia, business, law, security, social sciences, economics and civil society. The Council released its latest report, “Ireland’s AI Advisory Council Recommendations – Helping to Shape Ireland’s AI Future” in February of this year. This comprehensive report outlines key opportunities and strategic policy recommendations aimed at accelerating AI adoption in Ireland while safeguarding the nation’s economy, competitiveness, workforce, and society.

Again, I reaffirm our Government’s firm commitment to effective and comprehensive implementation of the AI Act in Ireland, one which balances human rights and ethical considerations with current and future technological advancements.