Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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67. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the preparations underway for the establishment of the national AI office by August 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50601/25]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to ensuring that Ireland is a leader in the digital economy and artificial intelligence and recognises that harnessing the potential of AI and digital technologies more broadly, is vital to maintaining our competitiveness.

My department recently brought to Government the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity which includes a range measures specifically related to AI and digital adoption, including a priority action to establish a National AI Office.

The AI Office will act as the central co-ordinating authority for EU AI Act and provide a focal point for the promotion and adoption of transparent and safe AI in Ireland, to ensure that we fully capture the strategic opportunity that AI presents.

Currently, my officials, are developing the General Scheme of the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence. This General Scheme will provide for the implementation and enforcement of the EU AI Act at national level in domestic legislation, including the establishment of the AI Office as an independent statutory entity. It is my intention to bring this General scheme to Government within the next four weeks.

Detailed workplans have been developed to ensure the AI Office is in place by August 2026, informed by research and analysis which was prepared for my Department by a leading professional services firm. Funding for the new office will be determined as part of Budget 2026.