UPDATE — SEPTEMBER 2025: Ireland has advanced its preparations for the EU AI 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. 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. 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.
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.
EU AI Act Sets New Rules for High-Risk AI
The EU AI Act, which took effect on August 2, 2024, is the world’s first broad regulatory framework for artificial intelligence. It introduces a risk-based approach focused on public safety, health, and individual rights. Over the next three years, phased requirements will reshape AI oversight across Europe. As part of these early steps, each Member State must identify authorities responsible for protecting fundamental rights where AI may pose risks.
Nine Authorities Identified to Safeguard Rights
Ireland’s designated authorities are:
- 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 organizations will expand their existing responsibilities to include supervision of high-risk AI applications, particularly those that influence democratic processes, equality, privacy, and public trust. They will also gain access to documentation required from AI developers and operators under the Act, allowing them to review and challenge systems that may affect individual rights.
Oversight Begins in 2026
Although these bodies are not yet designated as formal “competent authorities” under Article 70 of the EU AI Act, they will play a crucial role during the early implementation phase. Their official oversight duties begin on August 2, 2026. This transition period gives public bodies, businesses, and developers time to prepare for the Act’s strict requirements. Meanwhile, Minister Calleary emphasized that Ireland must balance AI’s economic benefits with the need for strong safeguards. He noted that this designation reflects the country’s commitment to protecting people as AI becomes more embedded in daily life.
Continued Coordination With the European Commission
Ireland will report the list of authorities to the European Commission, and the designations may be updated as needed. Each authority will keep its core mission while expanding its role to address emerging AI-related concerns. Also, this structure helps ensure that Ireland’s regulatory approach stays aligned with the EU’s broader goals for accountable, rights-preserving AI.
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