Written Answers Nos. 365-366
365. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when the national AI office will open; when it is expected to be fully operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57261/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe establishment of the AI Office of Ireland is a strategic initiative for my Department to act as the central co-ordinating body for the AI Act and provide a focal point for the promotion and adoption of transparent and safe AI in Ireland, to ensure that we fully capture the strategic opportunity that AI presents.
Currently, my officials, in collaboration with relevant government departments are developing the General Scheme of the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence. This General Scheme will provide for the implementation and enforcement of the AI Act at national level in domestic legislation. This includes the establishment of the new AI Office of Ireland as an independent statutory entity which will seek to ensure a coherent, harmonised, and effective national approach to AI regulation. It is my intention to bring this General Scheme to Government within the coming weeks.
In addition, my officials are progressing detailed implementation plans to ensure the AI Office of Ireland is in place by August 2026.
366. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the details of all reports, including consultancy reports commissioned by his Department from 1 January 2024 to date in 2025, that could be categorised as not for external publication or marked for internal use only; the cost of each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57289/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department considers commissioning reports in cases where there is not the necessary expertise to deliver a project in-house, in cases where an external assessment is deemed essential, or in cases where a report must be completed within a short time scale, and although the expertise or experience may be available in-house, performing the task would involve a prohibitive opportunity cost.
My Department complies with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation’s guidelines for engagements of consultants by the civil service, having regard to public procurement guidelines.
With regard to the release of reports, my Department endeavours to publish commissioned reports wherever possible, however, some reports relate to internal matters of the Department, to commercially or otherwise sensitive matters, or are considered technical advice which contributes to broader policy making. In such instances, these reports are not ordinarily published.
The reports commissioned by my Department since 2024 which are not currently published or are for internal use are set out in tabular form below:
