AI Office to be Central Authority for EU Act
The Government has designated 15 competent authorities under the EU’s AI Act and announced plans to establish a National AI Office.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment stated that the new office, set to be established by 2 August 2026, will act as the central coordinating authority for the act in Ireland.
Functions of the National AI Office
The office will undertake several key functions:
- Coordinate the activities of competent authorities to ensure consistent implementation of the act.
- Serve as the single point of contact for the act.
- Facilitate centralized access to technical expertise by the other competent authorities, as required.
- Lead AI innovation and adoption through the hosting of a regulatory sandbox and act as a focal point for AI in Ireland.
Designated Authorities
The 15 designated authorities attended a meeting of the National AI Implementation Committee on 16 September. These authorities will oversee and enforce the EU legislation in their respective sectors:
- 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
Protection of Rights
Additionally, the Government has designated nine public bodies that will be responsible for protecting rights specified under the AI Act. These authorities will receive enhanced powers under the act to ensure the protection of fundamental rights, especially in cases where AI usage poses a high risk.
According to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, “Ireland’s ambition is to lead globally in AI adoption, anchored in collaboration, ethical standards, and proportionate regulation.”
