37. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment with recent calls from AI industry leaders for greater caution around the pace of AI advancements, the measures being taken to ensure that our SME sector is sufficiently prepared for the next generation of AI technologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66532/26]

I thank the Deputy for raising this important question.

Artificial Intelligence presents significant opportunities for Ireland’s economy, productivity and competitiveness. At the same time, as AI systems become more capable and widely deployed, it is important that innovation is accompanied by appropriate safeguards. Recent calls from some AI industry leaders for greater caution around the pace of AI development underline the importance of ensuring that robust governance and oversight arrangements are in place.

The European Union recognised both the transformative potential and the risks of AI at an early stage and responded proactively through the development of the EU AI Act, the world's first comprehensive legal framework for AI. The Act, which entered into force in August 2024, establishes a harmonised, risk-based approach that supports innovation while protecting fundamental rights, health, safety and consumer interests. By putting clear rules in place at an early stage, the EU has sought to create the trust and certainty needed for the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies. The EU AI Act also places important obligations on providers of general-purpose AI models, including requirements relating to transparency and the assessment and mitigation of systemic risks.

At national level, the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act 2026 which I commenced in July, provides the national institutional and enforcement framework necessary to implement the EU AI Act. This framework includes the new AI Office of Ireland, which promotes the safe, responsible and trusted use of AI.

Alongside this regulatory framework, my Department is focused on ensuring that Irish SMEs are equipped to benefit from the next generation of AI technologies.

The recently published National Digital and AI Strategy, Digital Ireland: Connecting our People, Securing our Future, sets out a roadmap for strengthening Ireland’s digital and AI capabilities, with a strong focus on enterprise competitiveness and productivity. The strategy includes measures to increase awareness, support skills development and encourage investment in innovation.

A key commitment is the development of sector-specific AI adoption strategies, initially focused on manufacturing, ICT services, tourism and construction. Enterprise Ireland is also appointing AI Sector Champions and supporting client companies to develop AI adoption roadmaps tailored to their business needs.

In addition, the AI – Good for Business initiative provides enterprises with a single point of access to information, supports and practical examples of AI adoption. Through a nationwide programme of ministerial roadshows delivered with the Local Enterprise Offices, SMEs are gaining practical insights into the opportunities AI presents and the supports available to them.

The AI Office of Ireland is also designing an AI Regulatory Sandbox to support innovators, SMEs and start-ups in developing and testing AI systems while working towards compliance with the EU AI Act.

Through this combination of early, forward-looking regulation and targeted business supports, the Government is ensuring that Irish SMEs are well placed to adopt AI safely, responsibly and effectively, and to benefit from the opportunities presented by the next generation of AI technologies.