Eight Bodies Named as Initial EU AI Act Enforcers
As the implementation of the EU AI Act takes shape, eight public bodies have been designated as the competent authorities responsible for enforcing this groundbreaking legislation within their respective sectors. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the regulation of artificial intelligence in Europe.
Implementation Model
The initial list of authorities was confirmed following the government’s approval of a “distributed model of implementation” for the EU AI Act. This model aims to leverage existing structures to facilitate compliance and oversight.
Designated Authorities
The eight designated bodies include:
- Central Bank of Ireland
- Commission for Communications Regulation
- Commission for Railway Regulation
- Competition and Consumer Protection Commission
- Data Protection Commission
- Health and Safety Authority
- Health Products Regulatory Authority
- Marine Survey Office of the Department of Transport
In the future, additional authorities and a lead regulator will be appointed to coordinate the enforcement of the Act and provide centralised functions.
Strategic Importance of AI Regulation
Enterprise, tourism, and employment minister, Peter Burke, emphasized the strategic opportunity that AI presents for Ireland. He highlighted its potential benefits for both the economy and society:
- Boosting productivity
- Spurring innovation
- Delivering enhanced customer services
- Providing improved public services
- Accelerating advancements in science and medicine
Minister Burke asserted the importance of building trust in AI systems, stating that the EU AI Act represents the first comprehensive regulation to establish guardrails for the safe and ethical use of AI technologies.
Commitment to Implementation
Burke also expressed his commitment to ensure a well-resourced implementation of the Act in Ireland, balancing the need for necessary safeguards while fostering innovation.
Enhanced Compliance for Businesses
Niamh Smyth, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Transformation, remarked on the government’s decision to utilize the existing national framework of well-established sectoral authorities. This choice is expected to:
- Make compliance with the AI Act easier for businesses
- Support Ireland’s ambition to become an EU centre of expertise for digital and data regulation
By providing an efficient, comprehensive, fair, and transparent implementation of the Act, Ireland aims to enhance its reputation for quality regulation and increase its competitiveness in attracting investment in the rapidly evolving technology sector.
