Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
42. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if the proposed national AI office will be up and running by August 2026; if it will provide the immediate, coordinated, all-of-government approach to AI that is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12898/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the establishment of the AI Office of Ireland is a strategic initiative for this Government. It will act as the central coordinating body for the implementation of the EU AI Act and provide a focal point for the promotion and adoption of transparent and safe AI in Ireland.
The distributed model agreed by Government means that existing sectoral regulators will supervise and enforce the AI Act, supported centrally by the new AI Office of Ireland. The National AI Act Implementation Committee, since its’ establishment in February 2026, has brought the designated Market Surveillance Authorities together to work to agree an approach and prepare for their new enforcement role. This strong collaboration will continue to ensure effective and timely implementation of the EU AI Act.
The Government recognises the importance of Ireland’s reputation as a trusted, agile, forward-looking Digital Regulatory Hub and of ensuring our regulators are independent and adequately resourced. While the AI Office will be the central coordinating authority for the regulation of AI in Ireland, Ireland’s distributed sectoral model leverages the apparatus, resources and expertise across a number of competent authorities, many of whom are established, experienced independent regulators of scale.
The AI Office of Ireland will reinforce Ireland’s reputation as a forward-thinking digital economy committed to responsible AI development and governance. A sectoral model of enforcement for the EU AI Act, with the AI Office of Ireland at the centre, will provide the regulatory and legal certainty needed to develop, deploy, and use AI technologies with confidence.
In parallel, detailed implementation workplans are being developed by my officials in my Department to ensure the AI Office of Ireland is in place by August 2026 with a smooth transition in the intervening period.
