Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
1227. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the way in which implementation of the new AI in healthcare strategy, ‘AI for Care – The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy for Healthcare in Ireland’ will be monitored, evaluated and reported on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35223/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of AI for Care – The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy for Healthcare in Ireland (2026–2030) is to establish a clear policy intent for the application of AI across the health sector, recognising the potential for AI in clinical care, healthcare operations, research and innovation as well as public health.
Implementation of initiatives in each of these areas will be addressed through the forthcoming HSE Implementation Framework and associated projects and programmes that will range in scale and complexity.
All applications of AI across the health sector will require robust governance arrangements, ongoing monitoring, and structured evaluation to ensure that AI is deployed safely, responsibly, and delivers measurable benefits across the health system.
Implementation will be aligned with national and EU regulatory requirements, including the EU AI Act. It will also be supported by guidance currently being developed by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) on the responsible use of AI in health and social care, following public consultation.
Ongoing engagement with clinicians, patients and other stakeholders will support transparency, build public trust, and ensure that implementation remains focused on improving patient outcomes and service quality.
More broadly, recognising the rapid pace of technological development, AI for Care is designed as a living strategy. It will be subject to periodic review, and possibly further refinement, to reflect evolving nature of AI technology, emerging evidence and regulatory developments. AI for Care aligns closely with wider reforms under Digital for Care, including investment in data, digital systems and infrastructure.
