Michael Moynihan
Question:98. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the implementation of the National AI Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22082/23]
View answerThursday, 11 May 2023
Questions (98)
Written answers
AI is a powerful and fast evolving technology that is and will continue to have huge impacts on our economy and society.
The Government has been attentive to the potential of AI for a significant period of time. That is why we developed the National AI Strategy “AI – Here for Good” which was published in July 2021 and my Department is leading on cross Government implementation of the strategy.
Underpinning our Strategy are three core principles to best embrace the opportunities of AI:
1. adopting a human-centric approach to the application of AI;
2. staying open and adaptable to new innovations; and
3. ensuring good governance to build trust and confidence for innovation to flourish.
Substantial progress has been made on its implementation across various parts of Government in the two years since its launch and my officials are finalising an implementation report which will be published shortly.
While the strategy cuts across a number of Departments, for the benefit of the Deputy, there are a number of significant achievements in my own Department including:
• Appointing Dr Patricia Scanlon as Ireland’s first AI Ambassador
• Establishing the Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum to advise on the adoption of AI and other digital technologies.
• Creating an €85 million multi annual Transition Fund to support businesses in adopting AI and other digital technologies.
• Supporting the development of a Report from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs on the Skills Requirements of AI.
• Convening a National Youth Assembly on AI
• Joining the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI)
• Leading on negotiations at the EU and the Council of Europe on AI regulation
Ireland’s approach to AI recognises the potential for the technology to enhance our socio-economic wellbeing as well as presenting great benefits for businesses in terms of productivity and innovation. It is clear is that we can already see the benefits of AI in a range of fields including in healthcare settings, climate action and education.
We are also mindful of the concerns and questions that the public has in relation to AI. Crucially, work is well progressed on a horizontal EU regulatory framework which will underpin trustworthy use of AI in the EU, and Ireland is actively engaged in this. We are also developing guidance on the trustworthy and ethical use of AI in the public service to ensure that Government can safely harness the power of AI to tackle big challenges.