Government introduces AI Bill

The Government has introduced legislation to establish Ireland's regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, with Digital Transformation Minister Niamh Smyth (FF) describing the Bill as essential to protecting citizens while supporting innovation.

Opening the Second Stage debate on the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026, Deputy Smyth said the legislation would "give full effect in Ireland" to the EU Artificial Intelligence Act by creating the national structures needed to supervise and enforce the new rules.

She told the Dáil the AI Act was "designed to provide a high level of protection to people's health, safety and fundamental rights and to promote the adoption of human-centric, trustworthy AI".

A key feature of the Bill is the establishment of the AI Office of Ireland as an independent statutory body. The office will act as Ireland's national point of contact with the European Commission and other member states, oversee enforcement of the AI Act, promote AI literacy and innovation, and operate a regulatory sandbox to support start-ups and SMEs.

Describing artificial intelligence as "one of the defining technologies of our era", the Minister said AI had brought "remarkable benefits", including accelerating scientific discovery and improving healthcare, but warned that "without appropriate oversight, it can embed and amplify discrimination, manipulate behaviour or exploit the vulnerabilities of people".

She stressed that the legislation is an implementing measure and "neither adds to nor alters the obligations placed on regulated entities by the AI Act".

The Minister also highlighted the urgency of passing the Bill before the EU enforcement deadline of August 2, 2026, saying Ireland "must have the necessary national supervisory and enforcement infrastructure in place by that date".

Concluding the debate, Ms Smyth said the legislation would "provide the regulatory clarity and help build the public trust that businesses... need to invest, operate, and grow with confidence."

She added that establishing a robust AI enforcement regime would strengthen Ireland's position as "an EU centre of excellence and digital regulatory hub" while demonstrating its commitment to "responsible, human-centric AI innovation".