Ireland leads the way in EU AI regulation

Ministers Burke and Smyth announce landmark progress in AI Act implementation

Ireland has taken a major leap forward in the rollout of the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, becoming one of the first six Member States to reach the critical milestone of designating the competent authorities which will be responsible for enforcement of the Act.

Speaking today, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, confirmed

the designation of 15 National Competent Authorities under the AI Act. 

Minister Burke said: 

“Ireland is building a future where AI is transformative, trusted, and transparent. We’re balancing innovation with safeguards—ensuring AI works for people, not against them.”

This distributed model builds on Ireland’s strong regulatory foundations and reflects the country’s commitment to responsible innovation and ethical AI adoption.

A national single point of contact has also been established within the department to streamline coordination between Irish regulators, the European Commission, and stakeholders. The Single Point of Contact serves as the interface with the public, other Member States, and EU-level counterparts with its purpose to streamline communication and coordination for the implementation and enforcement of the AI Act.

This milestone follows the government’s earlier designation of nine public authorities tasked with protecting fundamental rights under the AI Act. These bodies will be empowered to oversee high-risk AI systems and ensure citizens’ rights are upheld.

Today Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth, welcomed all 15 newly designated authorities to the National AI Implementation Committee which meets on 16 September 2025.

Minister Smyth described the Committee as a vital forum for collaboration as Ireland’s AI regulatory framework is rolled out over the next 12 months:

“This is about leadership with purpose. We’re creating a system that protects the vulnerable, empowers innovators, and positions Ireland as a global hub for ethical AI. The successful implementation of the AI act requires collaboration, co-operation and collective responsibility amongst all stakeholders.”

Looking ahead, a National AI Office will be established by 2 August 2026 to act as the central coordinating authority for the AI Act in Ireland. It will:

• co-ordinate Competent Authority activities to ensure consistent implementation of the EU AI Act
• serve as the single point of contact for the EU AI Act
• facilitate centralised access to technical expertise by the other competent authorities, as required
• drive AI innovation and adoption through the hosting of a regulatory sandbox, and act as a focal point for AI in Ireland, encompassing regulation, innovation and deployment

Minister Smyth continued: 

“The National AI Office will act as a focal point for responsible AI in Ireland. Its establishment will demonstrate Ireland’s continued commitment to leadership in AI”.

Minister Burke concluded:

“AI is disruptive—but it’s also an opportunity to drive innovation across our economy and society. Ireland’s ambition is to lead globally in AI adoption, anchored in collaboration, ethical standards and proportionate regulation.”