Today, Minister Dara Calleary, Ireland’s Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital, and Company Regulation, announced the selection of nine national authorities tasked with enforcing the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, advancing Ireland’s compliance with the landmark regulation. This list represents a foundational step in Ireland’s regulatory strategy as the EU seeks to mitigate risks associated with high-impact AI applications that can affect fundamental rights.
These appointed authorities—including the Data Protection Commission, Financial Services & Pensions Ombudsman, and the Irish Human Rights & Equality Commission—are positioned to protect public interest by monitoring AI implementations that present higher risks. The EU AI Act grants these authorities special powers, such as access to technical documentation that AI system developers must retain under the Act’s requirements.
Minister Calleary underscored the dual nature of AI’s impact, stating, “AI can provide many benefits for our society and our economy. However, AI also comes with certain risks. The EU AI Act will have a critical role in addressing these risks and in promoting human-centric, trustworthy AI. It will establish a regulatory framework for the development and use of AI systems to provide a high level of protection to people’s health, safety, and fundamental rights.”
The designated authorities, which include other bodies such as An Coimisiún Toghcháin and the Environmental Protection Agency, will formally report to the European Commission to validate compliance efforts. Minister Calleary also confirmed that “The government is committed to comprehensive and effective implementation of the AI Act, and the publication of this list is an important first step in this regard.” He further clarified that the list will remain adaptable to accommodate updates in national oversight as AI technologies continue to evolve.
This announcement places Ireland at the forefront of AI regulation within the EU, ensuring that as AI technologies advance, so do the safeguards protecting individual rights and societal values.