Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 May 2018
18. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will report on the recent meeting of the Digital 9 EU conference; the key issues discussed at the meeting and the way in which Ireland compares with the other members of the D9 in terms of the digital economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22852/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State responsible for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, I hosted a Ministerial meeting of the EU Digital 9+ (D9+) front-runner countries, which is a loose affiliation of like-minded Member States on Digital Single Market issues, on 15 May. The meeting further underscored Ireland’s commitment to the digital agenda and increased the visibility of Ireland as a digital front runner in Europe.
The meeting focused on Artificial Intelligence and built on recent EU developments in this field. On 10 April last, I signed an EU political Declaration on Artificial Intelligence, which set out areas where agreement was reached by Member States for future cooperation. The European Commission has since followed up with a Communication on Artificial Intelligence, proposing a three-pronged approach to increase public and private investment in AI, prepare for socio-economic changes, and ensure an appropriate ethical and legal framework. The D9+ meeting, which featured all eleven members of the group, will help to progress the development of policy in this emerging area.
Ireland is a digital frontrunner because of its prominent ranking in the EU Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) Report. The European Commission published the 2018 DESI Report last Friday, which revealed that Ireland has moved up three places – to 6th from 9th – compared to 2017. This reflects improvements in basic and advanced digital skills; online transactions; and Irish people’s use of internet services.
