Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
83. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he would support the establishment of a citizens’ assembly on artificial intelligence digitalisation and technology to facilitate inclusive public dialogue and democratic input on AI policy and ethics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12897/26]
View answerI fully recognise the value that Citizens’ Assemblies have brought to Ireland’s democratic process, particularly in enabling broad public participation in discussions on complex societal issues. I am also aware that in its first interim report, the Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence recommended the establishment of such an assembly for AI.
AI has the potential to have a profound impact on society as well as providing opportunities to ensure that we remain competitive and future-proof our industrial base through the adoption of AI. That is why it is equally important to ensure we address the very real challenges that AI poses around safety, privacy, and fundamental rights in the public and private sectors.
The wider national governance framework for AI, which we are already putting in place, including implementation of the EU AI Act, is designed to promote fairness, transparency and strong protections for health, safety and fundamental rights, while supporting the development of human-centric, trustworthy AI.
In November 2024, the Government identified a range of national public authorities which will supervise or enforce the respect of obligations under Union law protecting fundamental rights and my Department continue to liaise with them in preparation for the full implementation of the AI Act.
The new National Digital and AI Strategy, which was published this week sets out a clear roadmap for Ireland’s digital and AI adoption. It places ethics, transparency, and public trust at its core.
A key element of this strategy is the establishment of the new independent AI Office of Ireland which, as part of its role as the Single Point of Contact for the EU AI Act, will include engaging with stakeholders across civil society. It is also envisaged that as part of the new Strategy there will be an enhanced dialogue with the public and key stakeholders.
Furthermore, to help inform Government, the AI Advisory Council provides independent expert advice to government on artificial intelligence policy, and to build public trust in AI.
The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that Ireland’s approach to AI serves the needs of all parts of society. Taken together, the measures above provide Ireland with a structured, expert-informed and citizen-focused system for our approach to Artificial Intelligence policy and ethics.
