Niamh Smyth
Cavan-Monaghan · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“I thank Senator Higgins for speaking to this amendment and Senator Stephenson for putting it forward. I fully agree on the importance of co-operation and co-ordination between competent authorities in the implementation and enforcement of the AI Act.”
“63 would reduce the current period of 14 working days to a period of no more than seven days. The purpose of section 49 is to balance regulatory intervention with fair procedures.”
“I am going to take time after this debate to look at the Instagram account the Deputy raised today to see for myself. I do not disbelieve the Deputy. It upsets me so much to see that is allowed. Where is the monitoring of it?”
“These are: prohibited practices under Article 5; serious incidents reported under Article 73; high-risk AI systems referred to in annexe III in accordance with Article 49(5); and any other AI-related incidents or notifications required to be reported under the regulation.”
“The Government will continue to benefit from the expertise of the office in the deployment and implementation of AI-related policy and regulation.”
“I know that when you go to public meetings like those in question, there are tough stories from parents and you may feel a little inadequate sometimes in being able to deal with these things as quickly as possible. I am glad the Deputies used their time here today to make the presentation and to campaign for the parents.”
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“Turning to the question about our LEOs, they could of course do a great deal in tapping into our SME business sector. All those working in those small and medium businesses are totally immersed in and committed to the job they are doing and generally do not have time or the capacity to focus on a new departure. Our local authorities will work with LEOs along with the Department, which is currently giving lots of grants and vouchers for digital growth to try to support businesses to do that. On the question about the committee, it is a very good idea to have a committee set up around this. Maybe it could be part of one of the other committees, but AI will be a very important issue in this Dáil term.”
“I thank the Deputies for the broad range of those questions. The number of supplementary questions just goes to demonstrate the interest there is in AI and how it is going to revolutionise everything we do. The advisory council was raised by colleagues. It was established in January 2024. I had the pleasure of meeting its members and their leader, Dr. Patricia Scanlon, last week. All those council members are experts in their fields. Different industries are represented in the council, from legal to healthcare to technology to education and all of that. It is important to take a moment to thank those members of the advisory council for their work. It is completely voluntary and is to advise the Department and the Government. They are all experts in their fields. I thank them all very much.”
“I am going to see if we could bring some of that into the Oireachtas to give our Members an opportunity to see how we could perhaps do a better job using AI in our constituency offices and things like that. There are many benefits to AI, but we are also conscious of the negatives to the technology. It is a balancing act, but the Department is doing everything it can to bring the population with it in terms of the introduction of AI.”
“I again thank the Deputy for his interest in this area. We had a very good and robust debate last night on AI and its positives. We must always be cautious about the introduction of something like this technology. It is like the revolution of the Internet. We got that first and we were able to do it. This new technology, though, is going to be completely different because I think it is going to impact every aspect of our lives, from public transport to healthcare to education. Every walk of life will be impacted in some way. The Department itself is doing a great deal of work in terms of the schemes it is running. When I say that, I think about the CeADAR centre, which is out in UCD. It is a source of skills where a type of induction training can be provided to AI and apps to give people an insight into those areas.”
“We met the first deadlines on identifying national public authorities which supervise or enforce the respect of obligations under Union law protecting fundamental rights, including the right to non-discrimination in relation to certain high-risk uses of AI systems specified in the Act. As Al is a rapidly evolving technology, we will continue to review and refresh the strategy on a periodic basis.”
“We are focused on driving AI adoption in small businesses with targeted supports through our agencies. Issues such as privacy, security and job displacement are just a few of the challenges that come with the increasing use of AI. It is crucial that we address these concerns proactively and work to ensure that AI is used for the betterment of society. That is why building public trust and putting the appropriate guardrails in place is a priority focus. I note in particular the aggressive timeline for implementation of the EU AI Act, which we are prioritising.”
“I thank Deputy Moynihan for the question and for his very kind comments. A refresh of Ireland's national AI strategy was published in November 2024. It takes account of the significant developments in AI technology and regulation that have happened since the 2021 strategy. The national AI strategy sets out a whole-of-government approach to putting the necessary enablers in place to underpin AI adoption in enterprise and public services, including a supportive innovation ecosystem, a secure data and connectivity infrastructure and policies to ensure the workforce is prepared for the impact of Al. My Department has a particular focus on delivering on the actions that relate to enterprise digitalisation and AI adoption, guardrails and building public trust.”
“I thank Deputy Brennan for his remarks. I take on board everything he said. As he pointed out, we had a very robust discussion yesterday on AI and how that is impacting businesses globally, not just nationally. I take his point on board. As the Minister, Deputy Burke, stated, there is a drive to bring all businesses into the digitalisation era and a commitment to have 90% of SMEs there by 2030. It is a big task but the Department and the Minister have put so many measures in place that it is hoped we can reach that target.”
“I believe we have the required range of supports in place to help our SME base to digitalise. However, awareness-raising and demystification of digital adoption is an ongoing task that is essential if we are to meet our 2030 target of 90% of SMEs at basic digital intensity.”
“I thank the Deputy very much for his kind wishes and also for his important question. There is a range of supports to help businesses in digitalisation available under the digital transition fund through Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta. In addition, the LEOs offer digitalisation supports for eligible businesses, including the digital for business initiative and the grow digital voucher. These direct-to-company supports are complemented by Ireland’s four European digital innovation hubs. These hubs serve as one-stop shops for businesses, providing access to technical expertise, innovation services and skills development. Ireland is one of the most advanced EU member states in terms of digitalisation of enterprise and I am determined to maintain this leadership position.”
“The portal provides businesses with a toolkit to help identify the opportunities that digitalisation offers them and points to the supports available to them. It has a case study catalogue with digital success stories showcasing examples of how traditional and locally trading businesses have embraced digital solutions to boost their operations. This is particularly important to help those less digitally savvy businesses.”
“Good progress has been made towards achieving this target and, as of the end of 2024, a total of 539 companies have been approved for €45.2 million in funding for direct grant supports under the digital transition fund, of which 504 are SMEs. A total of 195 companies, of which 189 are SMEs, have already received funding to the value of €12.9 million. My Department, together with the enterprise agencies, continues to make concerted efforts to raise awareness amongst businesses of the opportunities arising from digitalisation and the help that is available to them to assist them in digitalising their businesses. This was the rationale for the development of the grow digital portal, which my Department launched last summer.”
“My Department established the digital transition fund as part of Ireland's national recovery and resilience plan with the objective of driving the digital transformation of enterprise in Ireland. The Minister, Deputy Burke, spoke earlier about the drive that is being made by the Department to ensure all businesses across Ireland reach those targets. The fund was specifically designed to aid the achievement of the high-level workstreams of Ireland’s national digital strategy, Harnessing Digital, and Ireland’s contribution to the EU digital decade targets as they relate to digitalisation of enterprise. The target set out in the national digital strategy is that at least 800 businesses will be supported by 2026 under the digital transition fund.”
“I do not but I will get that for the Deputy. I will get a detailed written reply on the issues the Deputies have raised. In fact, I might ask the Department to have a conversation with the Deputies on the legitimate questions they have raised today.”
“I thank the Deputies for their questions. They are very legitimate questions to ask. I am assured by the Departments - our own Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs - that they do a really robust risk assessment around those applications. If the officials are not confident or have any question marks over them, they refuse those licences.”
“If there are any concerns that the goods exported will not be used for the end use or by the specified end user as detailed in the application or if the exporter does not provide enough information on the intended end-use for my officials to make an informed decision, the application for a licence is denied. In applying any export controls in a robust and transparent way, my Department ensures that legitimate business transactions by reputable Irish traders are not damaged in any way while also ensuring that exports of controlled goods are thoroughly risk-assessed in that context of ongoing conflicts, diversion of goods and humanitarian considerations.”
“I assure the Deputy, even though I am only in the Department for a couple of weeks, that, working with the Minister, Deputy Burke, we are sure and we have very strong controls in place. As part of their assessment, my officials seek the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs in respect of all applications for export licences, including those with the end destination of Israel. Both my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs review all dual-use export licence applications against the eight assessment criteria set out in the Council common position.”
“They are categorised as dual-use items as a consequence of the fact that they incorporate strong encryption for ICT security purposes. My officials carry out an assessment of all applications, which includes a series of checks to ensure, as far as possible, that the item to be exported will be used by the stated end-user for the stated end-use and will not be used for illegal purposes.”
“In 2023, there were seven licences issued with an end destination of Israel with a total maximum value of €1.14 million in quarter three and three licences were issued with a total value of €31.24 million in quarter four. In 2024, there were seven licences issued with a total value of €1.18 million in quarter one, ten licences with a total value of €20.59 million issued in quarter two, six licences issued with a total value of €8.57 million in quarter three and six licences issued with a total value of €33.93 million in quarter four. So far in quarter one 2025, three licences have been issued with a total value of just under €427,000. The bulk of dual-use exports from Ireland, including those to Israel, are mainstream business ICT products, both hardware and software, such as networking, data storage and cybersecurity, etc.”
“I congratulate Deputy Bennett. It is lovely to say "Deputy Bennett", having worked with her and known her well in Monaghan County Council. I am sure they are all incredibly proud of her down there. Well done. My Department is the national competent authority with responsibility for export controls, including controls on defence-related exports and export of dual-use goods. Controls on the export of dual-use items are administered by my Department in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council setting up a Union regime for the control of exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual-use items.”
“I thank the Deputy. I will take a note of the specific areas he asked about. We all want to create the balanced regional development the Deputy has spoken about. The introduction of AI may allow companies to do that and allow people to work in more rural parts. We will focus on that with Enterprise Ireland, the IDA and the LEOs to see how we can support them in achieving that.”
“As I said, positive creation was recorded across the LEOs in Cork, with 3,076 jobs created and supported by the 618 LEO clients in the county. These companies recorded a net gain of 119 jobs. The IDA clients are now employing 165,484 regionally, or 55% of the client base employment. There are 219 IDA companies in Cork, employing almost 50,000. I will come back to the Deputy more specifically on the areas he inquired about.”
“I take the Deputy's point. Balanced regional development is a key priority for the Government and all TDs who are from more rural parts of the country. I will raise the Deputy's specific questions with the Department following this. The number of jobs in Enterprise Ireland-supported companies in County Cork has increased by 846 since 2023, with 26,026 now employed in the county by those companies. The regional impact of Enterprise Ireland's efforts is evident in the distribution of job growth across all nine regions, recording a positively increased number of employment figures. I take the Deputy's point today, however. There are very specific areas within the county the Deputy is concerned about. We will see if we can get further information on that.”
“I highlight the efforts of Enterprise Ireland, the IDA and the LEOs to provide businesses with the resources and support they need to thrive, particularly in areas outside the capital.”
“For example in February, Infineon announced the creation of 50 jobs and last November saw Qualcomm announcing a $126 million investment, creating more than 150 jobs. The south west has a significant ecosystem of established companies across technology, life sciences, international financial services and engineering and industrial technologies. It has also won significant investment across all of these sectors over a sustained period, which has contributed significantly to employment growth and positive economic impacts on other sectors of the economy. I continue to emphasise the importance of regional development in the role of my Department’s agencies in driving economic growth in Cork.”
“I thank Deputy Collins for his question. There are now 26,026 people employed in Enterprise Ireland-supported companies in County Cork, a net increase of 846 jobs during 2024. There was also positive job creation recorded across the three LEOs based in County Cork, with 3,076 jobs supported by 618 LEO clients. This represents a net gain in 2024 of 119 jobs. The FDI performance in the south west, which comprises counties Cork and Kerry, has been consistent over the past five years, with employment among IDA clients increasing by 17%. There are 235 IDA client companies in this region, employing more than 51,000 people in the area. In Cork, there are 219 IDA companies, employing 49,898 people. Recent announcements in Cork indicate that Ireland’s value proposition remains strong.”
“The choices made by people, government, businesses, researchers, workers and the elected representatives in this House will determine its future. We are all responsible for AI. I will ask my Department to try to bring the CeADAR scheme, which is available to everybody, into the Houses of the Oireachtas to make it accessible for Members to bring themselves up to speed as much as possible. We will ensure AI continues to play a positive role in the world by improving our lives and creating a better future for generations to come. As I said, AI is here to stay, it is here for good and we have to embrace it but also recognise the challenges.”
“Ireland will deliver an equally well resourced and efficient implementation of the EU AI Act to provide certainty and transparency along the AI supply chain. Ireland recognises that general purpose AI, GPAI, models are the engines of AI innovation and is working through the European Artificial Intelligence Board and bilaterally with the European Commission’s AI office to ensure the EU remains competitive for GPAI investment and innovation. I will conclude on a note of empowerment. This technology is developing rapidly but it is not something we can allow to happen passively, as I said in my earlier remarks. It is not for other people like technologists and computer scientists, but for us all to educate ourselves and to understand what technology transition means.”
“In keeping with the EU approach, the new programme for Government commits to “Simplify and modernise our regulatory framework to ensure Ireland remains competitive within the EU and globally, facilitating continued investment”. That is really important. We will update the National Digital Strategy to bring together digital policy and regulatory responsibilities and to invest to make Ireland an EU centre of expertise in digital and data regulation and a regulatory hub for companies operating across the EU Digital Single Market. With 15 of the 25 very large online platforms and search engines under the Digital Services Act established in Ireland, it is and was a priority for the Government to put in place a well resourced and efficient digital services co-ordinator in Coimisiún na Meán.”
“Ensuring that Ireland’s voice is heard in international forums on the governance of AI and that Ireland is a leader in the implementation of the EU AI Act are key elements of our focus. Ireland is a trustworthy voice for small economies and a constructive international partner in international AI discussions at a time when there are risks to the rules-based order. We intend to emphasise this through our role as a guest country at the G20 in 2025, at the invitation of South Africa. The Government strongly supports the commitment in the European Commission’s competitive compass to "simpler, lighter, faster”. This will ensure EU regulation is fit for competitiveness.”
“The report will be considered by the relevant Government Departments over the coming weeks. The council has given freely of its time and advice and it is very much appreciated by me and all my colleagues in the Dáil, I am sure. A number of AI advisory council members were in Paris last week at the AI Action Summit, which was hosted by President Macron and attended by the Taoiseach. There was much talk and coverage of the EU approach to regulation at the Paris summit. From Ireland’s perspective, the closest possible regulatory convergence between the EU and the US on AI and digital technologies is in our interest. This includes advancing a transatlantic digital marketplace as set out in the Draghi report.”
“Their advice paper outlines key opportunities and strategic policy recommendations to accelerate AI adoption in Ireland while safeguarding our economy, competitiveness, workforce and society. The paper examines six critical areas, including the future of skills and work; the development of a robust AI ecosystem; enhancements in AI literacy and education, which Deputy McAuliffe spoke about; strategies in AI sovereignty and infrastructure; the responsibility of using biometrics in public services; and the transformative impact of AI on Ireland’s creative sector. As someone who came through the NCAD, I am very mindful of where this leaves artists and intellectual property in the creative industries that are out there. It must be a very difficult time as we make our way through this.”
“Responsible use is another important aspect everybody has raised in this debate. However, it is also important there is a strong ecosystem of independent sources of expertise who will participate in building an evidence-based understanding of AI among the public. Speaking of independent sources of expertise, this brings me to the AI advisory council. I had the opportunity to speak to Dr. Patricia Scanlon and several members of the Government’s AI advisory council with the Minister, Deputy Burke, last week. These are incredibly bright, smart people who are advising the Department and the Government at a very high level. They have presented a paper to the incoming Government that I will review and consider. We had a very good discussion and all of them are giving their time and services for free. That must be acknowledged too.”
“Okay. The Government has had the AI advisory council in situ since 2024. I thank everybody for their contributions. They were very thought-out and passionate. I am on all sides because AI can be groundbreaking and has huge potential for the country. There is nobody in this Chamber who is uncaring or inconsiderate where climate and global effects are concerned. We will do it in a green way. That is what we have to do. We have got to get the balance right. I emphasise that a key part of ensuring AI is widely adopted in the economy and in society more broadly is building public trust. Having such trust was a theme that came through today. It is at the heart of our national AI strategy. The Government has prioritised putting in place the appropriate governance mechanisms or guardrails to ensure AI is used responsibly in Ireland.”
“I thank everybody who took part in a very frank, honest and open debate. I really appreciate it. Everybody has pointed to aspects of its potential and the opportunity in democracy, healthcare, education and down to the everyday. You do not need to be a tech expert to get the benefit when we think about public transport, as Deputy Gould said. Deputy Conway-Walsh has been here for all the debate and had a very specific question around the National Training Fund. We will come back to her on that. There was another point too. What was it?”
“AI is a horizontal general-purpose technology that is widely applicable to a range of sectors. As such, it is for us to consider the impact on our own interests and priorities. We can ensure AI continues to play a positive role in our world by improving lives and creating a better future for generations to come. AI is here and it is here for good.”
“The European Commission must regularly assess the certification and compliance costs for SMEs and work with member states to lower such costs. Member states must be provided priority access to the AI regulatory sandboxes for SMEs. Member states must establish dedicated channels for communication to support SMEs throughout their development by providing guidance and responding to queries during the implementation of this regulation. Penalties for infringements of the AI Act must take into account the interests of SMEs and their economic viability. These are all the ways that the needs of SMEs have been given priority in the Act. I wish to conclude on a note of empowerment. AI technology is developing rapidly but it is not something that is happening to us passively.”
“The Minister, Deputy Burke, will bring a memorandum to the Government over the coming weeks setting out the proposed approach. The AI Act's risk-based approach means that only those systems which could pose high risks in areas such as health, safety and fundamental rights will be subject to its rules and obligations. The vast majority of AI systems will not be subject to any regulation systems under the AI Act. In parallel with the rules to mitigate the risks of harm from AI systems, the AI Act contains measures to support innovation with a particular focus on the needs and constraints of SMEs, including startups. The Act provides simplified ways of compliance for SMEs. The interests of SMEs will be represented in the development of standards under the Act.”
“The Government will also update the 2022 study on AI skills for the expert group on future skills needs as part of the programme on technology skills. Safety and security are central to trust. For this reason, the landmark EU AI Act, which is the world's first comprehensive regulation establishing guardrails for the safe use of AI, will play a critical role in providing reassurance and unlocking the benefit of AI. The EU AI Act is designed to achieve this by introducing clear and proportionate rules and guardrails for the development and use of safe, ethical and humancentric AI systems. My Department will lead on the national implementation of the Act. We are currently working closely with other Departments to devise the optimal configuration of competent authorities to ensure comprehensive and robust implementation of the Act.”
“Enterprise will need to be proactive in upskilling its workforce to develop AI skills and knowledge necessary to leverage the technology. By continuing to invest in upskilling opportunities, we can unlock the true potential of Ireland's workforce and ensure we remain a highly active location to do business well into the future. Our ambition is that the adoption of AI will result in safer, more productive workplaces where workers are empowered but not replaced by AI tools. For example, AI will be able to take over repetitive and dangerous tasks for workers. The development of a whole-of-government approach to skills policy, including through the establishment of a new national skills council, is under way.”
“The intention is to increase the potential of Ireland's research community to deliver serious and significant impact in the global AI landscape. I also want to mention skills because every significant technology advancement brings changes to the labour market and the demand for skills - this is probably where the most concern and resistance may occur - and AI is no different in that regard. With AI set to transform a wide range of industries and occupations, skills will play an important part in our success. Our range of digital upskilling and reskilling initiatives, including those available via Skillnet Ireland, SpringBoard+ and future human capital initiatives, will be expanded as part of the refresh AI strategy.”
“This includes support for startups, incubators and accelerators that bring AI solutions to the market. Ireland has a number of excellent AI research facilities. The Government provides a range of funding programmes to support collaboration between industry, research and academia through which AI-related projects are funded. These include Enterprise Ireland innovation vouchers, innovation partnerships, technology centres and gateways, Knowledge Transfer Ireland and the Technology Transfer Office Network. Despite this, the ecosystem would benefit from greater coherence. Our strategy commits to unifying the goals of the various AI research centres and creating a centralised national AI research nexus.”
“I know our guests in the Visitors Gallery will be delighted to hear that. Our national approach is strongly aligned with this ambition. Ireland's excellent research and innovation ecosystem is a key driver for our economic development and international competitiveness. The Government is committed to maintaining a good balance of investment across the spectrum from fundamental to market-oriented research. A strong ecosystem for fundamental AI research through collaborations between universities, research institutions and industry is an essential foundation for breakthroughs in AI technologies and a healthy AI sector. Equally important is a research ecosystem that supports applied AI and the rapid deployment and commercialisation of AI technologies.”
“It acts as the bridge between the worlds of applied research in AI and data analytics and their commercial deployment by businesses. I encourage all my colleagues across the House to look at the upskilling and training opportunities available through CeADAR. It recently launched an online course, AI for You: Introduction to AI and the EU AI Act, which will increase awareness of AI and support adoption of AI by both the public and private sectors. While I have described how this technology can be deployed in every business and across our regions, it is important to recall that we connect to a wider, rapidly changing economic landscape. The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has set a goal for the EU to become a global leader in AI innovation as an AI continent.”
“We are promoting these case studies across social media to reach as many businesses as we can on LEOs' websites and the Department's website. The enterprise agencies will also continue to provide and enhance a level of targeted support, training and advice to businesses to drive the adoption and deployment of AI systems across all sectors. I emphasise that businesses have a very important role to play in showing we can use AI to develop better, trustworthy, more efficient products and services and increased values for consumers. Another important support is CeADAR, Ireland's centre for applied AI, which is based in UCD. It is a key part of our ecosystem as our European digital innovation hub for AI and as an Enterprise Ireland and IDA technology centre.”
“While technology companies are obviously readily adopting new technologies, most of my focus and the Department’s focus is on driving increased usage of AI in the non-tech sectors and in domestically trading businesses. They are obviously the ones that will need the most help and support. These include showcasing potential benefits to their businesses. The use of role models and case studies that business owners can relate to is a good way of encouraging business owners to consider technology that is good and fit for purpose. The grow digital portal has a case study catalogue with digital success stories showcasing how different non-tech businesses have embraced digital solutions to boost their operations.”
“To put it simply, if we can encourage more AI adoption, it will help to save business owners time and money and make them more competitive. That is why eligibility for the grow digital vouchers offered by the local enterprise offices, LEOs, has been widened, expanding eligible expenditure and doubling the grant to €5,000, or 50% of expenditure. It is being extended to all businesses, regardless of their export status, with up to 50 employees. The LEOs have introduced the digital for business consultancy scheme that provides expert digital consultants to help businesses with up to 50 employees to explore technology adoption opportunities.”
“We need to encourage more businesses to adopt AI by ensuring the necessary enablers are in place. Strand 3 of the refresh of the national AI strategy sets out our appropriate approach to drive AI in Irish enterprises. One of the biggest opportunities around AI deployment is in the bridging of the productivity gap in our indigenous SMEs. Generative AI and AI assistants offer huge opportunities to drive efficiencies, particularly in the context of micro-enterprises and SMEs. To support the adoption of AI by micro-enterprises and small businesses, my Department has developed and launched the grow digital portal, which is now available at growdigital.gov.ie . We want all businesses to get on board with technology.”
“In respect of the Government’s ambition for enterprise, embracing AI and digital technologies is crucial for our continued economic growth and prosperity. A competitive, innovative and resilient enterprise base is essential to provide high-quality jobs and employment opportunities for people to live and prosper in all regions. Obviously, that will hopefully help to bring better regional development throughout the country on the island of Ireland. AI will help business to achieve this. We have clear goals in this regard. We want at least 75% of enterprises in Ireland to be using the cloud, AI and data analytics by 2030. According to the statistics published by the CSO last Friday, AI adaptation in Ireland rose from 8% of enterprises in 2023 to 14.9% in 2024. While these figures are promising and growing, it is not enough.”
“Second, the AI Act was enacted in August 2024 and therefore, the parameters of the regulation of the use of AI in the EU are now clear. The refresh of the national AI strategy builds on the solid foundations in place and aims to balance innovation with proportionate regulation and trust-building measures. While the benefits of AI are clear, there are also important ethical and societal implications that must be considered. Issues such as privacy, security and job displacement are just a few of the challenges that are coming with the increasing use of AI. It is crucial we address these concerns proactively and work to ensure AI is used for the betterment of society. That is why building public trust and putting appropriate guardrails in place is a priority focus of the Government’s AI strategy.”