Irish Oireachtas committee makes 39 recommendations in AI report

Ireland's Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence has outlined 39 recommendations in its latest report, focusing on the integration of AI into public services. The committee emphasizes the need for the national AI office to operate with "necessary levels of independence," suggesting its relocation from the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to become a standalone state agency with its own budget and technical experts.

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As much emphasis should be placed on issues such as the environment, human rights, workers' rights, womens' rights, child protection and equality as on the economy and increased efficiency, for example.

The report issues a stark warning about the "essential" need for robust AI regulation, both generally and within the public sector. It references "international examples of the devastating human impact" resulting from AI system failures. The committee stresses that issues such as the environment, human rights, workers' rights, women's rights, child protection, and equality should receive as much attention as economic benefits and increased efficiency.

Given the rapid evolution of AI, the committee recommends regular reviews of guidelines. It proposes establishing a citizens' assembly to foster public dialogue and democratic input on AI policy and ethics. Furthermore, the report urges Ireland to embrace the EU AI Act, viewing it as a "minimum baseline for national AI regulation, not a maximum standard."

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Ireland must not shy away from the EU AI Act or try to dilute it. We should treat it as a minimum baseline for national AI regulation, not a maximum standard.

While acknowledging AI as an "enabling tool," the committee insists that all discussions and decisions regarding its use must be grounded in human rights and equality considerations. These recommendations echo concerns previously raised by various experts, including repeated calls for better resourcing of existing regulations. The report also calls for well-resourced advisory panels for the national AI office, to ensure regular collaboration with young people, older individuals, and disabled persons, who can offer valuable insights into AI's harms and benefits.

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any technology that may add value to the delivery of services should be actively considered and even trialed but only with strong guardrails to protect citizens in place.