Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 April 2024
83. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his response to the recent approval of AI legislation by the European Parliament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16888/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI very much welcome the recent approval of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act by the European Parliament, and I look forward to its formal adoption by the EU in the coming weeks.
This is a pioneering regulation, the most comprehensive AI regulation anywhere in the world. I am very pleased that the EU is leading on one of the most important regulatory challenges of our time, and that Ireland has participated actively and constructively to the negotiation of the Act.
The Act will lay down a uniform legal framework for the development and use of Artificial Intelligence systems in the European Union. This framework will promote the uptake of human-centric Artificial Intelligence in conformity with Union values, and will ensure a high level of protection against potentially harmful effects of Artificial Intelligence systems.
A key objective of the Act is to boost innovation and employment, and make the EU a leader in the uptake of trustworthy AI. The Act contains specific measures in support of innovation, with a particular focus on SMEs.
The provisions in the Act will apply, on a phased basis, over a 36-month period after it enters into force in May of this year.
The AI Act will establish a sophisticated governance and implementation structure at both national and EU level to ensure robust and harmonised implementation of the regulations in the Act. This includes the creation of a European Artificial Intelligence Board and a European Artificial Intelligence Office. The European Commission will develop guidelines and codes of practice over the next 12 months to support the application of the regulation.
My Department is leading on the national implementation of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act. My officials are considering the optimal national structure for efficient and effective enforcement of the provisions of the Act and will be discussing the arrangements with other Government Departments and relevant public bodies. In addition, primary legislation will be required for the transposition of the EU AI Act into national law.
I am committed to the comprehensive and robust implementation of the Act in Ireland.
