Artificial Intelligence

Thursday, 19 February 2026

Questions (30)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

30. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if the national AI office will have advisory panels in place for routinely collaborating with young people, older people and disabled people and including representation from those groups and also civil society groups that can provide routine expertise and insights into AI harms and benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12900/26]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The EU AI Act requires that Member States identify national public authorities responsible for supervising or enforcing compliance with Union law protecting fundamental rights, including the right to non-discrimination, in relation to certain high-risk uses of AI systems specified in the EU AI Act. Under the AI Act, fundamental rights are those enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, including democracy, the rule of law and environmental protection.

In a Government Decision of 9th October 2024, Government approved list of national public bodies which protect fundamental rights, including the right to non-discrimination, in relation to certain high-risk uses of AI systems, specified in the Act. Ireland’s list of fundamental rights authorities identified in accordance with Article 77 of the EU AI Act can be found on my Departments’ website at [EU AI Act - DETE]

These fundamental rights authorities are not competent authorities for the AI Act, nor are any obligations, responsibilities or tasks assigned to them under the AI Act. Rather, these authorities will get additional powers to facilitate them in carrying out their current mandates in circumstances involving the use of AI systems.

In addition, once established the AI Office of Ireland will engage and consult with a broad range of stakeholders across civil society, including representatives of groups most effective by AI systems. This will help ensure that the Office’s work reflects diverse perspectives and supports transparent, rights based implementation of the AI Act.