Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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571. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to ensure that the regulatory functions of the new AI office are carried out in compliance with section 70 and section 78 of the EU AI Act, as both a Market Surveillance Authority and the national Single Point of Contact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57804/25]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The EU AI Act represents a landmark piece of legislation that will shape the future of artificial intelligence across Europe. Its implementation at national level requires careful planning and coordination to ensure consistency, compliance, and public trust.

Key functions of the National AI Office will include the central coordination of AI Act implementation, including the development of mechanisms to support consistent enforcement across the market surveillance authorities. As with all public bodies, confidentiality and data protection will be a cornerstone of its operational processes.

As previously outlined, my department, in collaboration with other relevant government departments, is developing the General Scheme for the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence. This Scheme will provide for the national implementation and enforcement of the EU AI Act through domestic legislation.

The Scheme includes:

• The establishment of the AI Office of Ireland as an independent statutory body;
• The empowerment of designated competent authorities with Market Surveillance Regulation powers under the AI Act;
• Provisions to enable cooperation and information-sharing among national authorities;
• Rules governing penalties and enforcement measures for non-compliance.

• Article 70 sets out the obligations concerning the designation of national competent authorities and the establishment of a Single Point of Contact. These functions are being addressed in the Scheme to ensure full compliance with the Act.
• Article 78 outlines confidentiality obligations for individuals working with or within competent authorities and other entities involved in implementing the AI Act. These provisions are essential to maintaining trust, safeguarding data, and ensuring regulatory integrity.