Ireland’s Oireachtas Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence has published its first interim report, calling for a coordinated national approach to AI governance that balances innovation with strong protections for human rights, equality, and public trust .
The committee, established to examine Ireland’s approach to the development, deployment, and regulation of artificial intelligence, said AI presents both major opportunities for economic growth and serious risks if left insufficiently governed. Based on seven public hearings held between June and November 2025, the report sets out 85 recommendations aimed at shaping a rights-based national AI framework while ensuring Ireland remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global technology landscape.
A central recommendation is the creation of a permanent Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence to provide ongoing parliamentary oversight. The committee also urges the government to establish a National AI Office by August 2026, serving as Ireland’s single point of contact under the EU AI Act and coordinating policy across departments. The office should be independent, well resourced, and supported by advisory panels representing young people, older adults, disabled people, and civil society, the report says.
To strengthen democratic input, the committee recommends convening a Citizens’ Assembly on Artificial Intelligence, Digitalisation and Technology, allowing the public to shape national AI policy and ethics. It also calls for the development of a national AI risk register to monitor systemic risks across sectors, and for additional funding for the nine authorities tasked with safeguarding fundamental rights under the EU AI Act.
The report places strong emphasis on accountability and transparency in public-sector AI use. It recommends mandatory algorithmic impact assessments for high-risk AI systems in public services and annual public reports from all state and semi-state bodies using AI, detailing benefits, drawbacks, and any inequalities identified. A publicly accessible register of government algorithmic systems is also proposed.
Education and inclusion feature prominently. The committee calls for a nationwide AI literacy effort spanning schools, higher education, and the workplace, while ensuring access to AI tools is equitable. It warns that poorly designed systems risk filtering out voices from marginalized communities and urges participatory design practices that reflect Ireland’s linguistic and social diversity.
The report also flags energy and environmental concerns, warning that AI’s growing power demands could strain Ireland’s grid. It recommends prioritising renewable energy and exploring more energy-efficient AI systems.
Committee chair Deputy Malcolm Byrne said the findings show that regulation and innovation are not mutually exclusive, arguing that “the right balance” can allow Ireland to lead in AI while safeguarding rights and public trust.
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