Oireachtas cttee makes 39 recommendations in AI report

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence has highlighted 39 recommendations in its latest report on AI, with a focus on how it might be used in public services.

This is the second interim report from the committee and included engagement with Government departments, national bodies and with an independent human rights organisation.

Many of the recommendations are centred on the role of the national AI office and the importance of it having "necessary levels of independence".

It is advising that the office be moved out of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and established as an independent State agency with its own budget and an adequate number of technical experts.

There is also a warning that robust regulation of AI generally and within the public sector is "essential" referring to "international examples of the devastating human impact" that failures in AI systems can have.

"As much emphasis should be placed on issues such as the environment, human rights, workers' rights, womens' rights, child protection and equality as on the economy and increased efficiency, for example," it states.

This report, which considers Ireland's approach to this emerging technology, states that given the pace of change in AI, the guidelines should be reviewed on a regular basis.

It is recommending the establishment of a citizens’ assembly to facilitate public dialogue and democratic input on AI policy and ethics while also stating that "Ireland must not shy away from the EU AI Act or try to dilute it".

"We should treat it as a minimum baseline for national AI regulation, not a maximum standard."

The report says that while "AI is an enabling tool" any discussions and decisions in relation to AI should be rooted in human rights and equality considerations.

Several of the recommendations mirror those made in the first interim report after "concerns were flagged repeatedly by a range of experts across varied sectors".

It noted there were repeated calls for proper resourcing of existing regulations.

It has also acknowledged that the national AI office should have well-resourced advisory panels to collaborate regularly with young people, older people and disabled people who can provide "expertise and insights into harms and benefits of AI".

The committee recommends it should be part of the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill and for it to be established as soon as possible.

The former chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on AI, Malcom Byrne writes in the report that "any technology that may add value to the delivery of services should be actively considered and even trialed but only with strong guardrails to protect citizens in place".

He said the committee is working in a collaborative way to consider the "potential benefits and risks" associated with it and to explore how Ireland can lead in this space.

The report describes how improving public service provision is "a constant challenge for the State" and one which AI will no doubt impact.

It outlines the need to "establish a mandatory register" where all public service bodies and departments must publish cases where AI is being used in public services, detailing benefits, disadvantages, and any inequalities identified.

It also cites the importance for "clear and mandatory guidelines, not only on the use, but also on the procurement of AI systems and services in the public sector".

The committee notes that progress is being made towards an independent national AI office. ICCL cited Spain as an example of where a full independent authority is now set up.

The issues and recommendations raised in this interim report are likely to be the discussed in both houses of the Oireachtas. The committee will continue to publish interim reports along with a final report once its work is concluded.