Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 April 2025
203. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will specify the specific policy areas where the Department is examining future use of AI; if he will identify what entities the Department is working with, public or private, in relation to this examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18409/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Refresh of Ireland's National AI Strategy was published in November 2024. The Strategy sets out a whole of government approach to putting the necessary enablers in place to underpin AI adoption in enterprise and public services, including a supportive innovation ecosystem, a secure data and connectivity infrastructure, and policies to ensure that the workforce is prepared for the impact of AI.
My Department has a particular focus on delivery of the actions contained within Strand 3, "Driving AI in Enterprise". Our priority is to drive AI adoption in small businesses with targeted supports through our agencies.
The Government's AI Advisory Council recently submitted a report entitled 'Ireland’s AI Advisory Council Recommendations – Helping to Shape Ireland’s AI Future' to the Government. The High-Level Recommendations report serves as the main document, while additional deep-dive analyses on the creative sector, education and biometrics (FRT) further elaborate on these subjects. Members of the Council recently met with myself and Minister Peter Burke to discuss the report, and the Council's recommendations are being considered by Government.
My Department, along with the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council and the AI Advisory Council are progressing a body of research on the impact of artificial intelligence on key sectors of the Irish economy, with a view to reporting on results later this year. This will feed into ongoing policy development in this space.
