This month, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke TD, and Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD, launched a refresh of the National AI Strategy. This refresh takes account of the significant developments in AI technology and regulation since the original Strategy was first published in 2021. The refresh builds on the already solid foundations in place and aims to balance innovation with proportionate regulation and trust-building measures.

Some of the new measures include:

• Establishing an AI regulatory sandbox to foster innovation in AI
• Creating a National AI Research Nexus with a unified identity
• Creating a safe space where civil and public servants are encouraged to experiment with AI tools
• Commissioning a landmark study on the potential impacts of AI (including generative AI) and other advanced technologies on key sectors of the Irish economy
• Updating the 2022 study on AI skills of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs
• Expanding the range of digital upskilling and reskilling initiatives

Speaking to the refreshed strategy, both Ministers agreed that in many cases, AI is more likely to complement workers roles than to substitute them. However, this complementarity will not happen automatically, and it will require the development of new capabilities and capacities in the workforce. The range of digital upskilling and reskilling initiatives will be expanded as part of the refreshed Strategy, including those available via Skillnet Ireland, Springboard+, and future human capital initiatives.

For further information, please see here.