Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages
Seanad Éireann — 2026-07-15
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Niamh Smyth (FF), Cavan-Monaghan

The amendment would remove the requirement that the office submit its strategy statement to the Minister after it has been prepared. The strategy statement is an important governance and accountability document. It sets out the strategic ambitions and priorities of the office and provides a basis for assessing its performance over time. It is appropriate that the Minister, who is accountable to the Oireachtas for the legislative framework, receives the strategy statement. The requirement to submit the strategy statement to the Minister does not undermine the independence of the office. Rather, it forms part of the normal accountability arrangements that apply to statutory bodies throughout the public sector. The Bill also contains a range of provisions designed to ensure transparency and public accountability, including requirements related to publication and reporting. The removing of the requirement to submit the strategy statement to the Minister would weaken an important accountability mechanism without providing any corresponding governance benefit. Accordingly, I am satisfied that the existing provision is appropriate. I do not propose to accept the amendment.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-07-15/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-27T06:52:16+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-07-15