Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North, Naoise Ó Cearúil TD, has been appointed by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin as Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence.
Drawing on almost a decade of experience in the technology sector, including several years working directly in the AI industry before entering politics, Deputy Ó Cearúil has established himself as a leading voice in the Oireachtas on artificial intelligence.
He recently published proposals for a National AI Workplace Transition Programme aimed at helping workers adapt to technological change and ensuring Ireland is prepared for the impact of AI on employment and skills.
Speaking following his appointment, Deputy Ó Cearúil said:
“Artificial intelligence is already changing how we work, learn, communicate and do business. The opportunities are enormous, but so too are the challenges. The job of policymakers is to ensure we maximise the benefits of this technology while preparing properly for the disruption it will bring.
“There are important discussions to be had around jobs, education, public services and competitiveness.
“There are also wider questions around energy demand, environmental sustainability, digital sovereignty, data governance and how democratic societies respond to technologies that are advancing at an unprecedented pace.”
“Ireland will have an opportunity to play a meaningful role in shaping the European conversation around artificial intelligence. We should approach that challenge with ambition.
“Europe needs to be a place where innovation can thrive, but it must also be a place where people have confidence that these technologies are being deployed responsibly.”
Deputy Ó Cearúil said he intends to engage widely with industry leaders, academics, workers’ representatives, civil society organisations and international experts as part of the committee’s work.
“This technology will touch every sector of society. The decisions we make over the next number of years will help shape Ireland’s economy, labour market and public services for decades to come. It is important that we get those decisions right,” he said.
The appointment comes after Deputy Ó Cearúil was selected to chair the Oireachtas Committee on the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Irish-Speaking Community.
While he will no longer serve as chair, he will remain a member of the committee and has confirmed that he intends to continue advancing a number of initiatives related to Irish-medium education and the promotion of the Irish language.
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