Introduction
As the deadline approaches for Ireland to inform the European Commission about the responsible regulators for the EU AI Act, significant uncertainty looms. Despite the impending requirement, the State has yet to designate these crucial authorities, raising concerns among regulators, citizens, civil society, and businesses alike.
The Urgency of Designating Regulators
In less than three weeks, specifically by July 2, 2025, Ireland is expected to identify the “market surveillance authorities” (MSAs) tasked with enforcing the prohibitions under the AI Act. This designation is critical not only for compliance with EU law but also for ensuring the safety and regulation of AI technologies within the country.
Opportunity for Reform
For Ireland, which will soon assume the Presidency of the European Council, the AI Act represents a pivotal opportunity to address past issues related to tax, technology, and data enforcement scandals. The State is poised to focus on AI during its upcoming EU Presidency, yet its inadequate enforcement record raises concerns about future compliance unless immediate action is taken.
Concerns About AI Regulation
On July 3, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) reached out to the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment, urging rapid designation of the responsible MSAs. As enforcement responsibilities are set to commence on August 2, 2025, the urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. Without designated regulators, there is uncertainty about who will monitor AI systems, such as TikTok’s recommender systems, which have been shown to significantly harm children.
High-Risk AI Uses
Ireland is also required to appoint regulators for “high-risk” AI applications by August 2. To date, the State has only identified one regulator, the Data Protection Commission, which covers three of the eight high-risk AI categories. For other critical areas, including education, critical infrastructure, and access to essential services, the Minister’s response has been vague, indicating that simply “arrangements are to be finalized.”
Legal Obligations and Resources
EU law mandates that the State must provide these regulators with adequate technical, financial, and human resources, along with necessary infrastructure by the designated deadline. The lack of clarity surrounding the regulators’ identities makes fulfilling this obligation impossible, thereby jeopardizing the overall effectiveness of AI regulation in Ireland.
Conclusion
The current state of uncertainty regarding the enforcement of AI Act prohibitions in Ireland poses a significant risk to both regulatory compliance and public safety. As the deadline approaches, the need for decisive action and clear communication from the State has never been more critical. Stakeholders across the spectrum—regulators, businesses, and citizens—are looking for clarity and accountability in the realm of AI governance.
