Big news day for AI regulatory framework
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is omnipresent, writes Elaine Morrissey, chair of Law Society Intellectual Property and Data Protection Law Committee.
Whether in our personal lives, or professional lives, and for those advising on regulatory compliance with the EU AI Act, not a day goes by without some update.
Significant
However, not all updates are equal, with significant news regarding Ireland’s regulation of AI just announced (16 September).
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) declared ‘Landmark Progress in AI Act Implementation’ in its announcement.
The news has three components:
- Competent authorities,
- National single point of contact, and
- Creation of a National AI Office.
Peter Burke (Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment) confirmed the designation of 15 national competent authorities under the EU AI Act.
Niamh Smyth (Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation) welcomed all 15 newly designated authorities to the National AI Implementation Committee.
The following have been designated as national competent authorities for oversight and enforcement of the EU AI Act in Ireland:
- Central Bank of Ireland,
- Coimisiún na Meán,
- Commission for Communications Regulation,
- Commission for Railway Regulation,
- Commission for Regulation of Utilities,
- Competition and Consumer Protection Commission,
- Data Protection Commission,
- Health and Safety Authority,
- Health Products Regulatory Authority,
- Health Services Executive,
- Marine Survey Office of the Department of Transport,
- Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment,
- Minister for Transport,
- National Transport Authority,
- Workplace Relations Commission.
As always, the devil is in the detail in terms of the powers these competent authorities will hold.
Single point of contact
With this number of national competent authorities and so many stakeholders (in Ireland, the EU, and across the globe), it makes sense that a national single point of contact has also been established within the DETE to streamline coordination between the parties.
Thirdly, a National AI Office will be established by 2 August 2026 to act as the central coordinating authority for the EU AI Act in Ireland.
It will:
- Co-ordinate competent authority activities to ensure consistent implementation of the ,
- Serve as the single point of contact for the EU AI Act,
- Facilitate centralised access to technical expertise by the other competent authorities, as required,
- Drive AI innovation and adoption through the hosting of a regulatory sandbox and act as a focal point for AI in Ireland, encompassing regulation, innovation, and deployment.
This will greatly assist with understanding Ireland’s approach to AI and compliance with the EU AI Act.
Certainty around a regulatory framework is key to helping organisations comply with the obligations.
'Brimming with developments'
However, the rest of year is likely to be brimming with updates and developments.
Legal experts are eagerly awaiting draft legislation to provide the missing details.
The newly appointed competent authorities will be looking at their budgets and resources as they assess their expanded roles and get into day-to-day activities.
We expect lots more to come before the National AI Office is established and fully operational.
For further details on the announcement see: .
- Elaine Morrissey is chair of the Law Society IP and Data Protection Law Committee.