Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2025
194. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the detailed timeline for the establishment of the national AI office due by 2 August 2026; and the key milestones, including any interim goals ahead of its official establishment. [72742/25]
View answerThe establishment of the AI Office of Ireland is a strategic initiative to act as the central co-ordinating body for the implementation of the EU AI Act in Ireland and to provide a focal point for the promotion and adoption of transparent and safe AI in Ireland, to ensure that Ireland fully captures the strategic opportunity that AI presents.
Detailed workplans are being finalised by my officials in my Department to ensure the AI Office of Ireland is in place by August 2026. This work has been informed by the professional consultancy services of KPMG.
The establishment of a new AI office is an ambitious project with an ambitious deadline, as set down in the EU AI Act. Initial funding of €1.5 million was secured in Budget 2026 for the establishment phase of the project. In this establishment phase there are a number of projects that are to commence shortly including:
• A recruitment campaign for key personnel for the AI Office.
• The design and development of the required ICT systems.
• The establishment of a panel of technical experts to be accessed by MSAs.
• A communications and outreach programme to include the development of a website.
• The oversight for the establishment of a national regulatory sandbox.
The AI Office will be established on an administrative basis within my Department until the legislation is enacted.
