218. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department has assessed the potential impact of the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence on regulated and professional sectors in Ireland, including legal, financial, insurance and other professional services; and whether further national safeguards, in addition to those provided under the EU AI Act, are being considered. [66491/26]

While my Department has not commissioned studies specifically examining the impact of AI adoption on regulated and professional sectors such as legal, financial, insurance and other professional services, it has undertaken and engaged with a broader programme of analysis on the implications of AI for the Irish economy. This work has primarily focused on enterprise, productivity and labour market impacts.

The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) insight paper ‘The Irish Labour Market and AI in 2026’ notes a rapid rate of AI spread across the economy with AI-related jobs growing at two to three times the rate of peer countries. AI skills are in high demand, supported by a strong talent pipeline. However, the research also shows that there is an uneven pace of adoption across enterprises and individuals.

Analysis from UCD through the recently published Working in Ireland Survey 2025 shows AI adoption among workers is substantial and above EU averages, but adoption varies significantly across education, occupation, gender, income and firm size.

Findings from a joint research programme between the Economic and Social Research Institute (ERSI) and my Department point to strong future demand for AI, with more firms intending to invest in AI than are currently using it.

This body of research highlights the significant opportunities associated with AI adoption. It also underscores the importance of investment in skills, workforce adaptation and responsible deployment to ensure that the benefits of AI are broadly shared across the economy.

My Department continues to engage with enterprise agencies and industry stakeholders to deepen our understanding of how AI is transforming business models and reshaping economic activity across the economy.

It is important to also acknowledge the risks AI can pose. Government is committed to implementing a strong regulatory framework which supports AI adoption, while ensuring its safe, ethical and responsible use.

The European Union has responded to the opportunities and risks presented by AI through the EU AI Act, which establishes a comprehensive legal framework governing the development, placing on the market and use of AI systems.

The Act introduces safeguards proportionate to the level of risk posed by an AI system, including prohibitions on certain harmful practices, requirements for high-risk AI systems, transparency obligations, and mechanisms for market surveillance and enforcement.

These protections apply across sectors where AI systems fall within the scope of the Act, including professional and regulated services. The Act is designed to ensure that AI can be used safely and responsibly while supporting innovation and economic growth.

In addition, existing sectoral legislation and regulatory frameworks continue to apply, and sectoral regulators remain responsible for oversight within their respective remits.

The current focus is on the effective implementation and enforcement of the EU AI Act, and there are no plans to introduce separate national AI-specific legislation beyond these measures.

Finally, a major milestone has been reached with the establishment of the AI Office of Ireland, which will be the central coordinating body for implementation of the EU AI Act. One of its key functions is to promote the safe adoption and deployment of AI in Ireland.