UPDATE — SEPTEMBER 2025: Ireland has advanced its preparations for the EU Artificial Intelligence Act by moving beyond last year’s initial designation of nine national authorities to safeguard fundamental rights in AI applications. On March 4, 2025, the government approved a “distributed model” for implementation, naming eight sectoral regulators as national competent authorities under Article 70 of the AI Act. These include the Central Bank of Ireland, the Commission for Communications Regulation, the Data Protection Commission, the Health and Safety Authority, and others tasked with supervising high-risk AI systems in their respective domains.
The government formalized this framework with the European Union (Artificial Intelligence) (Designation) Regulations 2025, published on July 25, 2025. These regulations confirm which agencies will carry out obligations and functions under the Act, ensuring that Ireland is aligned with EU-wide enforcement timelines. The distributed structure complements the nine fundamental rights bodies designated in October 2024 under Article 77, which include the Electoral Commission, the Media Commission, and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. Together, the two groups represent a two-tier system: one focused on rights protections, the other on sector-specific compliance.
The phased rollout of the AI Act began on February 2, 2025, with foundational provisions taking effect across the EU. More comprehensive requirements for high-risk AI systems—such as those used in healthcare, employment, and education—will apply from August 2, 2026. In preparation, Ireland is building enforcement capacity, with a lead coordinator expected to be named to ensure consistency across regulators.
Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Dara Calleary has emphasized that these steps reflect Ireland’s commitment to ensuring AI development remains human-centric, trustworthy, and in line with EU values. By combining rights-focused oversight with sectoral expertise, Ireland is positioning itself to implement the EU AI Act’s ambitious framework on schedule, while giving businesses and public authorities time to adapt.
ORIGINAL NEWS POST:
Irish Minister Announces Milestone in AI Regulation with Identification of Key AI Authorities
Ireland has taken a significant step towards implementing the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act with the designation of nine national public authorities responsible for protecting fundamental rights in high-risk AI applications. Announced today by Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Dara Calleary, these authorities will gain new powers under the EU’s pioneering AI regulation to ensure AI usage aligns with human-centric, ethical standards.
The EU AI Act, which came into force on August 2, 2024, is the world’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for artificial intelligence. It prioritizes public safety, health, and individual rights through a risk-based approach. Its phased implementation over the next three years is set to transform AI oversight across Europe, focusing particularly on high-risk AI systems. As the first requirement of national compliance, EU Member States must identify authorities to enforce these protections, especially where AI systems might threaten fundamental rights.
Ireland’s newly designated authorities include:
- An Coimisiún Toghcháin (Electoral Commission)
- Coimisiún na Meán (Media Commission)
- Data Protection Commission
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman
- Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
- Ombudsman
- Ombudsman for Children
- Ombudsman for the Defence Forces
These authorities will be empowered to oversee high-risk AI applications, a critical step given the rapidly expanding role of AI across sectors. They will have access to documentation required from AI developers and operators under the Act, enabling them to scrutinize AI systems that could impact democratic processes, privacy, or equality rights. Although they are not formally designated as competent authorities under the EU AI Act, these agencies will be equipped to extend their existing mandates to address AI-related concerns.
Minister Calleary emphasized the dual nature of AI, noting, “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.” He added that this step reflects Ireland’s commitment to ensuring AI’s integration into society is both beneficial and safe.
In alignment with the broader objectives of the EU AI Act, the identified authorities will initially focus on monitoring and enforcing protections where AI usage intersects with human rights. Their oversight role will officially commence on August 2, 2026, giving Ireland’s public and private sectors time to adjust to new requirements.
This designation will be reported to the European Commission, with the list subject to regular review and potential updates as necessary. Each of these authorities will maintain its core responsibilities while expanding to include AI governance where relevant.
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