Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 December 2022
18. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has concerns that an overly business-focused national AI strategy will struggle to build trust in new artificial intelligence technologies amongst those who are currently seeing these technologies begin to monitor and manage their work. [62413/22]
View answerIreland's National AI Strategy, “AI - Here for Good”, provides a high-level direction to the design, development, deployment and governance of AI in Ireland. It presents an integrated framework to manage the expected beneficial socio-economic opportunities that AI presents.
In developing the Strategy, my Department undertook an extensive engagement process and one of the strongest themes and recommendations that emerged from that process, and which is reflected throughout the Strategy, is a particular focus and attention to the ethical and societal aspects of AI.
Our vision is for Ireland to become a leading country in using AI to the benefit of our citizens, through a people centred and ethical approach to AI adoption and use. The Strategy helps define how Ireland can ensure a responsible and inclusive approach to developing, applying and adopting AI, and how to harness the potential benefits of AI for both businesses and society. While my Department leads on the implementation of the Strategy and is responsible for driving the adoption of enterprise by businesses, this is a whole of Government Strategy and therefore is not solely focussed on enterprise aspects.
Last June, the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs issued its Report entitled "AI Skills: A preliminary assessment of the skills needed for the development, management and regulation of AI". That Report made 10 specific recommendations that are connected to society's wider need for AI skills, not just for the conduct of business. A firm understanding of AI will support the building of trust in AI technologies and better educated consumers of AI.
The Government recognises the need to have meaningful engagement with the public on the development, governance and use of AI. To lead a national conversation on AI in our lives and in society, Dr Patricia Scanlon was appointed as Ireland's first AI Ambassador last May. As part of her role, Dr Scanlon emphasises an ethical approach in the use of AI and in particular in its adoption by enterprise. Dr Scanlon and my Department have developed a programme of engagements which will involve: demystifying AI and promote better understanding of the technology, engaging with existing perceptions of AI, building awareness of the potential benefits of AI, allaying common fears and misunderstandings around AI for example in relation to job losses, misuse of technology and trust, raising awareness of potential developments and opportunities for Ireland in AI, and raising awareness of the protections that are being developed to mitigate the risks of AI including regulation at EU level; standards, and codes of ethics around the use of AI.
In addition, and in order to bring the voices of young people into policy making on AI, my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, convened a National Youth Assembly on AI in October. The recommendations from the National Youth Assembly will inform the future policy direction for AI in Ireland.
My Department has also convened a Working Group to bring together AI experts with representatives of Government Departments to develop Trustworthy AI Principles and Guidelines to help decision makers in the Public Service to make informed decisions on the use and deployment of AI.
