I wish to inform the Deputy that the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is committed to the responsible and transparent use of technology in all aspects of our work, including in the preparation of legislation.
Building on our internal 'Policy on the use of Generative AI', my Department's approach to the use of artificial intelligence is guided by the 'Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service', which were published by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation in May 2025. These comprehensive guidelines establish a framework for the ethical, transparent and accountable deployment of AI across the public service, underpinned by seven core principles including human agency and oversight and privacy and data governance. The Guidelines provide robust safeguards in the use of AI which include mandatory human oversight, data protection requirements aligned with GDPR, and transparency and accountability mechanisms. These safeguards apply to any use of AI tools within the public service and ensure that technology serves to enhance, rather than replace, human judgement and expertise.
In April of last year, our Departmental policy on the use of Generative AI was updated to designate Microsoft CoPilot Chat as the primary Generative AI platform to be used in the Department providing enterprise grade security. In line with, and as encouraged by the 'Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service', my Department is keen to reap the benefits of AI through its responsible use. In the context of my Department's work on the General Scheme for the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026, officials have used Microsoft CoPilot Chat on occasion to help identify sources of research material to assist in their work. This minimal use, whereby the AI tool is used to signpost sources of information rather than act as a source itself gives rise to few risks identified in the policy and guidance on the use of AI while still enabling efficiencies.
The EU AI Act is an EU regulation and directly applicable and binding in all EU Member States without needing to be transposed into national law. The General Scheme of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026 provides the legislative foundation, by conferring Market Surveillance powers to the designated competent authorities, to ensure that the AI Act can be effectively implemented within our national system of regulation.
The General Scheme is informed by Ireland's obligations under the EU Artificial Intelligence Act and draws on legal advice, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and consultation with relevant regulatory bodies and Government departments. It is prepared by officials within the Department and reflects Government policy decisions, expert legal drafting, and comprehensive stakeholder input. It also draws on existing national policy frameworks including the National AI Strategy 'AI - Here for Good', and extensive sectoral and public consultation.
