Artificial Intelligence: Statements
Seanad Éireann — 2026-01-28
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Conor Murphy (SF), Industrial and Commercial Panel

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. Based on the previous contributions, I think we are all largely on the same script. We recognise the benefits of this but we also recognise the great harm and in particular, the great sense of concern there has been in recent times around some of the tech companies and their use of AI. This debate is timely, given there is concern around that but that stems from a concern around a light touch approach to regulation, which people have exploited.
People and parents in particular have been disgusted, outraged and fearful about the potential of AI and what it can mean for themselves and their families. Technology is changing and developing at a pace that far outstrips our ability to monitor it in real time. Many do not fully understand it or how to take steps to enhance the online safety of children and young people. That is why it is essential the sector is properly regulated. The companies creating the technology for their own use on their platforms understand it. They must ensure it is not used for illegal or harmful purposes.
I welcome the publication of Coimisiún na Meán's legally binding online safety code a number of years ago and its ongoing contribution to the consultation about the Government's plans, as referenced in the Minister of State's contribution. I am also glad the State is moving away from the self-regulatory system which pertained previously. I welcome the publication of legislation yesterday by my colleagues Deputies Matt Carthy and Máire Devine, which will criminalise the generation of non-consensual, intimate images and videos. This is a step in the right direction.
Of course, we all welcome the positive applications of AI and its massive potential for the future of enterprise on the island. The Government recently published its enterprise investment package. In respect of the very substantial investment announced, it is imperative that small and medium-sized businesses can access that money as easily as possible. The last thing we want is for AI to end up overburdening businesses that are already struggling to survive.
During statements in the Dáil on this topic, the Government stated it plans to publish an updated national digital and AI strategy, which will set out a clear roadmap for Ireland's digital and AI adoption and the development in the years ahead. The Government also referenced the use of AI in public services. We accept AI is in both the present and the future. However, the Government has to be cognisant of the fact that for a huge cohort of citizens, it has become very difficult to engage with public services. The growth of digital access to State services, the MyWelfare app, the Revenue website and the portals people have to access to pay a bill or make a money transfer have coincided with the sharp reduction in the face to face provision of these services. I urge the Government to put measures in place to ensure everyone can access public services in the same way.
On the whole, AI can be a force for good. It as the potential to revolutionise the healthcare sector and in particular, offer advances in diagnostics and other areas. However, we can not lose sight of the fact that it can be manipulated by bad actors for their own gain and appropriate regulation must be in place to ensure the positive potential of AI is not lost to the actions of those who wish to cause harm.

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Source: Houses of the Oireachtas. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). The Official Report is revised after first publication; the fetch timestamp below identifies the version quoted.

Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-01-28/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:33+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-28