As the Deputy is aware the AI Office of Ireland will act as the Single Point of Contact for the EU AI Act in Ireland. Part of this role as the Single Point of Contact will be to engage with stakeholders across civil society, including Disabled People’s Organisations and disability organisations.
In addition, Government designated a 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 AI Act. The list of designated Fundamental Rights Bodies can be found at EU AI Act - DETE and National legalisation, which is being developed, will give them get additional powers to facilitate them in carrying out their current mandates in circumstances involving the use of AI systems.
As Minister I am fully committed to ensuring that the benefits and risks posed by AI are fully considered and that Ireland is at the forefront of the development of trustworthy and ethical AI innovation, adoption and deployment across the economy and society at large.
