215. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is satisfied that Ireland’s current regulatory and enforcement framework is adequately equipped to address the rapidly developing risks associated with artificial intelligence; the progress made in implementing and enforcing the EU Artificial Intelligence Act in Ireland; the bodies that will have responsibility for oversight and enforcement; the resources and expertise being provided to those bodies; whether he has identified regulatory gaps in areas including employment, financial services, professional services and consumer protection. [66490/26]

The EU AI Act establishes a harmonised, risk-based regulatory framework for AI systems developed, placed on the market or deployed in the European Union. Its objective is to protect health, safety and fundamental rights while supporting the development and uptake of trustworthy artificial intelligence. The Act entered into force in August 2024 and applies on a phased basis through to August 2028.

While the EU AI Act is directly applicable, Member States are required to establish national arrangements for its implementation, supervision and enforcement. Ireland has adopted a distributed model of regulation, which builds on the expertise and statutory functions of existing sectoral regulators, supported by a central coordinating authority.

The Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act 2026, which commenced in July 2026, establishes the national structures required to implement and enforce the EU AI Act in Ireland. Together, the EU AI Act and the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act 2026 provide a comprehensive framework for the oversight and enforcement of AI systems.

The AI Office of Ireland has been established as the central coordinating authority for implementation of the EU AI Act. The Office supports coordination across the regulatory system, promotes consistent application of the Act and serves as a national focal point for the safe and trustworthy development and use of AI. Budget 2026 provided €1.5 million in start-up funding to support its establishment.

Under Ireland's distributed regulatory model, responsibility for supervision and enforcement of the AI Act rests with designated national competent authorities in their respective sectors. This approach enables Ireland to leverage existing regulatory expertise and sectoral knowledge while strengthening capacity in line with the Act's phased implementation timetable. The AI Office will also maintain a central pool of technical, legal and regulatory expertise to support competent authorities. Further details on Ireland’s designated competent authorities for the regulation of AI can be found on the AI Office of Ireland’s website.

It is also important to note the significant role of the European Commission, which has responsibility for the supervision and enforcement of the AI Act with regards to General Purpose AI models and the use of AI in Very Large Online Platforms and Search Engines.

I am satisfied that Ireland's current regulatory framework provides a strong basis for addressing both current and emerging risks associated with artificial intelligence. Many AI-enabled products and services are already subject to sector-specific regulatory frameworks, with the EU AI Act introducing additional AI-specific requirements and safeguards. My Department will continue to work closely with the AI Office and competent authorities to monitor implementation of the Act, review the effectiveness of the framework and identify any future regulatory, resourcing or legislative measures that may be required.