EU Directives

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2021

Thursday, 20 May 2021

Questions (159, 163)

Patrick Costello

Question:

159. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the proposed directive on artificial intelligence and Digital Services Act would render Ireland the EU’s super enforcer of these new regulations for technology companies based here; his views on whether the current delays in enforcing GDPR decisions by the DPC will undermine the potential for further investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27181/21]

Thomas Pringle

Question:

163. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the proposed directive on artificial intelligence and the Digital Services Act would render Ireland the EU’s super enforcer of these new regulations for technology companies based here; if he is concerned that the current delays in enforcing GDPR decisions by the Data Protection Commissioner will undermine the potential for further investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27322/21]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 163 together.

I am aware of the two pieces European legislation to which the Deputy refers and would advise him that these are in fact proposals for Regulations rather than Directives. In both cases the regulations propose general frameworks for systemic obligations which would be placed upon the providers of respectively artificial intelligence products and digital services.

The governance structure for the Digital Services Act foresees a major role for national Digital Services Coordinators in regulating such providers headquartered in their Member State. However, there is also a role for the European Commission itself in regulating this sector particularly where Very Large Online Platforms are concerned. A European Board for Digital Services, consisting of representatives from all national Digital Services Coordinators will provide advice to individual Digital Service Coordinators and the Commission in the fulfilment of their various functions.

In the case of the Artificial Intelligence Act competent authorities and market surveillance authorities in each Member State will be responsible for regulating the providers of prescribed Artificial Intelligence systems headquartered in their Member State.

GDPR and DPC are matters for my colleague the Minister for Justice and the Department of Justice.