Dáil Éireann statements on “Maximising AI for our greater good, in business, in the economy and in wider society”
Wednesday, 19 February 2025
Check Against Delivery
Opening Statement
A Cheann Comhairle, Deputies,
I am pleased to take the floor of the House today, as Ireland’s first Minister of State in Ireland with AI in their title.
We are living in a time of great dynamism, unpredictability and opportunity.
I am determined that my mandate as Minister of State in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment will deliver on maximising the benefits of AI for our businesses, for the economy and for society more broadly.
The opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence are not like any previous technological advances. The speed and pace of progress is completely unprecedented. The potential for transformative impacts on our society and economy for our collective good is unparalleled.
AI's ability to analyse data, recognise patterns, and and provide insights has reshaped the way we live and work.
The use of AI in smartphone technology has grown rapidly in recent years and is an example that most of us can relate to. AI-powered personal assistants, such as Siri and Google Assistant, have become a staple of many people's daily lives.
This Statement is titled “Maximising AI for our greater good, in business, in the economy and in wider society”.
In my short few weeks as Minister, I have already learned that there are massive opportunities for using AI to benefit the economy and wider society across various sectors. AI presents opportunities for beneficial impacts, including in the delivery of public services, weather forecasting, healthcare, scientific discovery, sustainability, agriculture, transport, and mobility.
I want to take a minute to emphasise some of these opportunities.
- Firstly, the use and application of AI technology has great potential to help solve challenges in healthcare, and we are seeing exciting strides in areas such as robotic surgery, diagnosing blood diseases and cancers and analysing medical images.
- Secondly, AI is being used to improve energy efficiency and predict energy demand. So it can help us address Sustainability and climate action - AI is being deployed to monitor and reduce carbon emissions. AI contributes significantly toclimate action by enabling data-driven environmental monitoring, optimizing energy consumption, and supporting sustainable practices across industries.
Smart grids powered by AI can balance energy demand and supply in real time, increasing energy efficiency and contributing to the fight against climate change.
- Another important use for AI is in Agriculture whichis an area where there are incredible applications – predicting disease outbreaks in herds for example through AI enabled data analytics. AI tools are being used to monitor crop health and optimize farming practices. The potential efficiencies are huge.
- Improving delivery of public sector services for our citizens is another important opportunity.Strong digital government brings significant public value benefits to the wider economy as well as to the communities and businesses with whom the public service engages.A number of central pilot projects to test proofs of concept and use cases are currently underway in the Irish public sector.
These are just a few examples of the opportunities and benefits. Its potential reach is vast and that’s why the Government developed a National AI Strategy in 2021, called 'AI – Here for Good'. The strategy serves as a roadmap for how Ireland can leverage the potential of AI for unlocking productivity, for addressing societal challenges, and for delivering public services.
It envisions a future for Ireland as an international leader in using AI to the benefit of business, public services, and - most importantly - for people, through a human-centred, ethical approach to AI development, adoption and use.
Government Strategy
A refresh of the AI Strategy was published by my predecessor Minister Dara Calleary, in November 2024.
The Refresh takes account of the significant developments in AI technology and regulation namely, the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, which precipitated a massive acceleration in the AI technologies that are available to consumers and businesses.
Secondly, the EU AI Act has entered into force in August 2024, so the parameters of the regulation of the use of AI in the EU are now clear. The refresh 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 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 appropriate guardrails in place is a priority focus of the Government’s AI Strategy.
AI in business
In terms of the government’s ambitions 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. AI will help business achieve this.
We have clear goals. We want at least 75% of enterprises in Ireland to be using cloud, AI and data analytics by 2030.
According to statistics published by the CSO last Friday, AI adoption in Ireland rose from 8% of enterprises in 2023 to 14.9% in 2024. Whilst these figures are promising, it’s not enough! We need to encourage more businesses to adopt AI by ensuring that the necessary enablers are put in place.
Strand 3 of the Refresh of the National AI Strategy sets out our approach to Driving AI in Irish Enterprises.
One of the biggest opportunities around AI deployment is in bridging the productivity gap in our indigenous SMEs. Generative AI and AI assistants offer huge opportunities to drive efficiencies, in particular in microenterprises and SMEs.
To support adoption of AI by micro-enterprises and small businesses, my Department has developed and launched the Grow Digital Portal available at growdigital.gov.ie.
We want all businesses to get on board with technology!
Simply put, if we can encourage more AI adoption it will help save business owners time, money and make them more competitive.
That’s why eligibility for the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) Grow Digital Voucher has been widened, expanding eligible expenditure and doubling the grant to €5,000, or 50% of expenditure. It has been extended to all businesses regardless of their export status, with up to 50 employees.
The LEOs have also introduced the Digital for Business consultancy scheme that provides expert digital consultants to help businesses with up to 50 employees explore technology adoption opportunities.
While Tech companies are obviously readily adopting new technologies, much of my focus and my Department’s focus is on driving increased usage of AI in the non-tech sectors and domestically trading businesses.
This includes showcasing the 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 a good fit for them.
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. We are promoting the 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 the level of targeted support, training and advice to businesses to drive the adoption and deployment of AI systems across all sectors.
I also want to emphasise that businesses have a very important role to play in showing that they will use AI to develop better, trustworthy, more efficient products and services and increased value for consumers.
Another important support is CeADAR in UCD, which is Ireland's Centre for Applied AI. It is a key part of our ecosystem as our European Digital Innovation Hub for AI and an EI/IDA Technology Centre.
It acts as the bridge between the worlds of applied research in AI and data analytics and their commercial deployment by business.
I would encourage all - even deputies - to look at the upskilling and training opportunities that are available through CeADAR. CeADAR have recently launched an online course called AI for You: Introduction to AI and The EU AI Act. The course will increase awareness of AI, and support adoption of AI in both the public and private sectors.
Ceann Comhairle, while I have described how the technology can be deployed in every business and across all our regions, it is important to recall that we are connected to a wider, rapidly changing economic landscape.
Innovation and Research
The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has set the goal for the EU to become a global leader in AI innovation – an “AI Continent”.
Our national approach is strongly aligned with this ambition.
Ireland’s excellent Research and Innovation (R&I) ecosystem is a key driver of our economic development and international competitiveness.
Government is committed to maintaining a good balance of investment across the spectrum from fundamental to market-oriented research.
A strong eco-system for fundamental AI research through collaboration 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 which supports applied AI, and the rapid deployment and commercialisation of AI technologies.
This includes support for start-ups, incubators, and accelerators that bring AI solutions to market. Ireland has a number of excellent AI research facilities.
The Government also provides a range of funding programmes to support collaboration between industry, research, and academia through which AI related projects are funded.
This includes Enterprise Ireland Innovation Vouchers; Innovation Partnerships; Technology Centres and Gateways; Knowledge Transfer Ireland and the Technology Transfer Office network.
However, the ecosystem would benefit from greater coherence. Our Strategy commits to unify the goals of the various AI research centres and create a centralised National AI Research Nexus.
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.
Skills
Every significant technological advance brings changes to the labour market and the demand for skills. 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 of our success.
The range of digital upskilling and reskilling initiatives will be expanded as part of the refreshed AI Strategy, including those available via Skillnet Ireland, Springboard+, and future human capital initiatives.
Enterprises will need to be proactive in upskilling their workforce to develop the 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 attractive location to do business well into the future.
Our ambition is that AI adoption will result in safer, more productive workplaces, where workers are empowered by AI tools, but not replaced. 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 underway.
Government will also update the 2022 study on AI skills of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, as part of a work programme on technology skills.
Regulation/ EU AI Act
Safety and security are central to trust. For this reason, the landmark EU AI Act, the first in the world comprehensive regulation establishing guardrails for the safe use of AI, will play a critical role in providing this reassurance and unlocking the benefits of AI.
The EU AI Act is designed to achieve this by introducing clear, proportionate rules and guardrails for the development and use of safe, ethical and human-centric AI systems.
My Department is leading 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. Minister Burke will bring a Memorandum to Government over the coming weeks setting out the proposed approach.
Prioritisation of SMEs in the AI Act
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 regulatory requirements under the AI Act.
In parallel with the rules to mitigate the risks of harm from AI systems, the AI Act contains measures in support of 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 also be represented in the development of standards under the Act.
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 provide priority access to the AI regulatory sandboxes for SMEs.
Member States must establish dedicated channels for communication to support SMEs throughout their development journey by providing guidance and responding to queries about the implementation of this Regulation.
Penalties for infringements of the Act must take into account the interests of SMEs and their economic viability.
These are all ways that the needs of SMEs have been given priority in the Act.
Thank You
ENDS
Closing Speech
Thanks for views….
I want to emphasise that a key part of ensuring AI is widely adopted in the economy and society more broadly is building public trust. This is at the heart of our National AI Strategy.
Government has prioritised putting in place the appropriate governance mechanisms and guardrails to ensure AI is used responsibly in Ireland.
However, it is also important that there is a strong ecosystem of independent sources of expertise who will participate in building an evidence-based understanding of AI among the public.
AI Advisory Council
Speaking of independent sources of expertise, this brings me to the AI Advisory Council. I met with Dr. Patricia Scanlon and several members of the Government’s AI Advisory Council along with Minister Burke last week.
They presented a paper of high-level advice for the incoming Government which we will review and consider. We had a very good discussion.
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,
- strategies for AI sovereignty and infrastructure,
- the responsible use of biometrics in public services, and
- the transformative impact of AI on Ireland’s creative sector.
The Report will be considered by the relevant Government Departments over the coming weeks. The Council have given freely of their time and their advice is very much welcomed and will be given full attention.
EU/International matters
A number of AI Advisory Council members were in Paris last week at the AI Action Summit hosted by President Macron which was also attended by the Taoiseach. There was much talk and coverage about the EU approach to Regulation at the Paris Summit.
From Ireland’s perspective, the closest possible regulatory convergence between the EU and US on AI and digital technologies is in our interest, including advancing a “transatlantic digital marketplace” as set out in the Draghi report.
Ensuring Ireland’s voice is heard in international fora 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 while there are risks to the rules-based order.
We intend also to do 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 Competitiveness Compass to “Simpler, lighter, faster: ensuring that EU regulation is fit for competitiveness”.
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.
- Update the National Digital Strategy to bring together digital policy and regulatory responsibilities,
- Invest to make Ireland an EU centre of expertise for 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 was a priority of Government to put in place a well-resourced and efficient Digital Services Coordinator (regulator) i.e. Coimisiún na Meán.
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 that the EU remains competitive for GPAI investment and innovation.
I would like to conclude on a note of empowerment. AI technology is developing rapidly, but not something that is happening passively to us.
AI is a horizontal, general-purpose technology, widely applicable in a range of sectors. As such it is for all of us to consider the impact on our own interests and priorities.
It is not for other people – technologists, computer scientists – but for all of us, to educate ourselves and understand what this technological transition means.
The choices made by people - governments, businesses, researchers, workers, and indeed the elected representatives of this House - determine its future. We are all responsible for responsible AI.
I would encourage all learners, workers and businesses to seize on the supports and opportunities available. We must empower and educate ourselves to embrace AI technology for
our collective benefit.
We can ensure that AI continues to play a positive role in our world, improving our lives and creating a better future for generations to come. AI is here, and it is Here for Good.
Thank you.
ENDS