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

I thank the Senators for their amendments. As both amendments address the same underlying issue, namely, the role of the CEO when appearing before Oireachtas committees, I will address them together.
Amendment No. 35 would delete section 32(2), which provides that when appearing before the public accounts committee, the "Chief Executive Officer shall not question or express an opinion on the merits of any policy of the Government" or "the objectives of such a policy". Amendment No. 36 would delete section 33(7), which applies the same principle when the CEO is appearing before other Oireachtas committees. The effect of these amendments would be that the CEO would no longer be expressly prohibited from commenting on, questioning or expressing views on the merits of Government policy while giving evidence before Oireachtas committees. I do not propose to accept these amendments. Sections 32 and 33 reflect the long-established distinction between the respective roles of the Ministers and senior public officials appearing before Oireachtas committees. The CEO is accountable for the administration, management and operation of the office. Ministers, in turn, are accountable to the Oireachtas for the Government, policy and the objectives of that policy.
The purpose of sections 32(2) and 33(7) is to preserve the distinction and ensure clarity in lines of accountability. The role of the PAC is to examine expenditure, governance, financial management and value for money; it is not to examine the merits of Government policy decisions. Section 32, therefore, ensures that when appearing before the PAC, the CEO can fully account for the use of public funds and the performance of that office while avoiding being drawn into debates regarding the merits of Government policy. The CEO will remain fully accountable to PAC for matters relating to administration, governance, financial management, efficiencies and effectiveness. Similarly, section 33 reflects the long-established distinction between policy responsibility and administrative responsibility in appearances before Oireachtas committees generally. The provision ensures that the CEO can account for the discharge of the office's functions and the operation of the organisation while the Ministers remain accountable for Government policy and policy objectives.
The CEO will remain fully accountable to the Oireachtas for administration, governance and operation of the office. However, responsibility for Government policy properly rests with Ministers. Sections 32(2) and 33(7) preserve that important distinction and support clear lines and accountability. For that reason, I do not consider the amendments necessary, and I do not propose to accept amendment Nos. 35 or 36.

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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