Elaine Morrissey, Chairman of the Law Society's Intellectual Property and Data Protection Law Committee.
Photo: Cian Redmond
Artificial intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous, Written by Elaine Morrissey, chairman of the Law Society. Intellectual Property and Data Protection Law Committee.
Whether it's our personal or professional life, it's not a day without an update for those who advise on regulatory compliance with EU AI law.
Important
However, not all updates are equal, and there is important news about AI's Irish regulations announced this week (September 16th).
In its announcement, the Office of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) declared “groundbreaking progress in the implementation of the AI Act.”
This news has three components:
- A competent authorities,
- A single point of contact nationwide, and
- Creating the National AI Office.
Peter Burke (Minister of Business, Tourism and Employment) has confirmed the designation of 15 national authority under the EU AI Act.
Niamh Smyth (state minister for trade promotion, artificial intelligence and digital transformation) welcomed all 15 newly designated authorities to the National AI Implementation Committee.
The following are designated as national authority for the monitoring and enforcement of Ireland's EU AI law.
- Central Bank of Ireland
- coimisiúnnameán,
- Communications Regulation Committee,
- Railway Regulation Committee,
- Utility Regulation Committee,
- Competition and Consumer Protection Commission,
- Data Protection Committee,
- Safety and Health Bureau,
- Health Products Regulatory Authority,
- Health Services Executive,
- Ministry of Transport Marine Research Office,
- Minister of Corporate, Tourism and Employment,
- Minister of Transport,
- National transport,
- Workplace Relations Committee.
As always, the devil is in detail in terms of the powers these competent authorities hold.
Single point of contact
With this number of national authorities and so many stakeholders (Ireland, the EU and around the world), it makes sense. Single national contact point It was also established within DETE to streamline adjustments between the parties.
Third, National AI Office It will be established by August 2, 2026 to act as a central coordinating body for Ireland's EU AI law.
it is:
- Coordinated authority activities to ensure consistent implementation EU AI ACT,
- It functions as a single point of contact in the EU AI method,
- Improve centralized access to technical expertise by other competent authorities, where necessary;
- It promotes AI innovation and adoption through regulatory sandbox hosting, serving as the focus of AI in Ireland, encompasses regulation, innovation and deployment.
This is “Big News Day” and will go a long way in understanding Irish's approach to AI and compliance with EU AI law.
Certainty regarding regulatory frameworks is key to helping organizations comply with their obligations.
“It's full of development”
However, the rest of the year could be full of updates and development.
Legal experts are eagerly awaiting the draft law to provide missing details.
The newly appointed competent authorities will assess their expanded roles and consider their budgets and resources as they participate in daily activities.
More is expected before the National AI Office is established and fully operational.
For more information about the announcement, see below. Ireland leads EU AI regulations – detention.
