DistantNews
Support us
Ireland appoints first CEO for new AI Office
🇮🇪 Ireland /Technology

Ireland appoints first CEO for new AI Office

From RTÉ News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The Irish government has appointed Paul Byrne as the first CEO of the AI Office of Ireland.
  • The office, operational by August 2, will coordinate the implementation of the EU AI Act.
  • This move aims to ensure responsible AI development while protecting fundamental rights and public confidence.

Ireland's government has appointed Paul Byrne as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the AI Office of Ireland, a new body set to become operational on August 2. Byrne, formerly Executive Director of Education, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence at the Medical Council of Ireland, will lead the central authority responsible for implementing the EU AI Act.

AI is a transformative technology which offers extraordinary potential but requires appropriate oversight and accountability to ensure people are protected.

— Peter BurkeMinister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, commenting on the importance of AI regulation.

The EU AI Act, which came into force in August 2024, bans artificial intelligence systems deemed a threat to people's safety, livelihoods, and rights. New obligations under the act take effect from August 2, requiring companies to inform users when they interact with AI or are exposed to deepfakes and AI-generated content.

This legislation delivers on that objective, giving effect in domestic law to pioneering AI regulation which provides a high level of protection for people's health, safety, and fundamental rights while promoting the adoption of human-centric, trustworthy AI.

— Peter BurkeMinister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, on the EU AI Act.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, highlighted AI's transformative potential, emphasizing the need for oversight and accountability. He stated that the legislation provides robust protection for health, safety, and fundamental rights while fostering human-centric AI. Minister of State for AI, Niamh Smyth, welcomed Byrne's appointment, calling the AI Office a crucial focal point for regulation, innovation, and expertise, underscoring Ireland's commitment to responsible AI development.

The establishment of the AI Office of Ireland gives us an important focal point for AI regulation, innovation, and expertise, further showcasing our absolute commitment to responsible AI development.

— Niamh SmythMinister of State with responsibility for AI Niamh Smyth on the significance of the new AI Office.

Byrne expressed his commitment to fostering innovative AI development while safeguarding fundamental rights and public trust. "I look forward to working with the public, businesses and regulators to help Ireland harness the benefits of AI in a trusted and responsible way," he said.

I look forward to working with the public, businesses and regulators to help Ireland harness the benefits of AI in a trusted and responsible way.

— Paul ByrnePaul Byrne, the newly appointed CEO of the AI Office of Ireland, on his future plans.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RTÉ News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog