Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
399. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether an assessment has been undertaken of the potential impact of artificial intelligence systems on the livelihoods of Irish writers, musicians, artists, performers and other creative professionals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47767/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLeadership on Ireland’s national strategy on artificial intelligence (AI) rests with my colleagues, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation. His department is leading on the implementation of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act and has policy responsibility for copyright law in Ireland.
As recommended by the 2025 report of the National AI Advisory Council, The Impact of AI on Ireland’s Creative Sector, the overarching objective must be to protect creatives and ensure meaningful artistic freedom while fostering innovation and potential of AI for the Creative and Cultural Sector. The report also stressed the need for public policy to tackle income insecurity and potential jobs displacement brought about by AI. The new National Digital and AI Strategy also highlighted the potential for AI to significantly contribute to jobs displacement in the creative and cultural sectors. To address the challenges related to income insecurity, the establishment of the Basic Income for the Arts programme on a permanent basis in my Department is critically important as a key measure to tackle the precarity of work in the sector in Ireland.
The protection of copyright is also a key concern for the creative and cultural sector. In its report the AI Advisory Council was also of the view that it is imperative the Government considers whether Ireland's copyright laws and licensing regimes are equipped to address AI disruption. The inclusion of a provision on EU copyright law in the AI Act is an important step. While the AI Act needs time to bed down as enforcement has not yet begun, there are indications that the Text and Data Mining exception is not working well in practice. It is critical that this market develops in a manner which ensures fair remuneration along the value chain. My Department will work closely with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism & Employment as they lead on the development of Ireland’s copyright legislative regime.
But this issue is not just a challenge for Ireland, it is global challenge. That is why I welcome the work to develop an EU AI strategy for the creative and cultural sectors, which will be delivered in 2027 under the EU’s new Culture Compass. It will play an important role in ensuring culture and creative sectors have the tools and support to navigate the changes to the sector brought about by AI. As the incoming chair of the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council under the Irish EU Presidency, I will also be working closely with European partners to prioritise action on AI in the new European Work Plan for Culture.
