Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026: Committee Stage
Seanad Éireann — 2026-07-09
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Niamh Smyth (FF), Cavan-Monaghan

I know the Senator’s sentiments are heartfelt, and there has been a very conscious effort to get the balance she has spoken about with AI of creativity and innovation, but also being human-centric and trustworthy. It is not for one moment the case that both are not taken into account. It is important that while we have our market surveillance and competent authorities, we also have our fundamental rights authorities which are there to advise, support and ensure that citizens' rights are considered. The feedback of Coimisiún na Meán, the Data Protection Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, the Ombudsman for Children's Office, and the Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces has been taken into consideration in order that the Bill is rounded, and is not just a one-size-fits-all or is all about innovation and creativity. I will leave it at that.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-07-09/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:11+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-07-09