Irish Programme for Government recognises importance of AI

A November 2024 report by Stanford University’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, the ‘Global AI Vibrancy Tool 2024,’ ranked Ireland ahead of technological powerhouses such as the UK, Israel and Sweden, in terms of AI vibrancy per capita.

The comprehensive programme (162 pages/1 MB) outlines a series of initiatives aimed at harnessing the power of AI to drive economic growth, enhance public services, and ensure ethical and responsible AI development. This follows the recently refreshed National AI strategy published in November 2024.

In the programme, the government recognises the criticality of digital infrastructure in economic growth and in the delivery of public services. “This importance will grow with the increasing development of AI,” said Maureen Daly, intellectual property expert at Pinsent Masons.

The programme proposes the development of a comprehensive plan to accelerate energy generation, connectivity, and planning processes. That plan will guide the development of data centre infrastructure in Ireland which is crucial for AI to grow in Ireland. It plans to scale up investment in critical infrastructure and Ireland’s electricity grid, enhance data centres’ use of renewable energy sources and energy efficient technology as well as provide nationwide 5G vital to data centres and the overall tech sector.

Daly said: “It is imperative that the digital infrastructure in Ireland be examined, and any inadequacies addressed if Ireland is to remain at the forefront of AI. Failure to do so will have a long-term negative impact on the Irish economy and will also result in Ireland losing competitive advantage as well as affect its reputation as a hub for innovation and technology.”

AI will also be used to transform public services online, making them more efficient and effective. This includes better planning and delivery of services through the use of AI technologies, particularly in the health sector. This will work alongside the development of an AI in health strategy to improve patient access, experience, and health outcomes through advancements in science and technology.

There will also be a focus on investing in digital skills at all levels, from basic digital literacy to advanced education and research in AI and quantum computing. The aim is to ensure that the necessary skills for AI deployment and innovation are provided through education and professional learning networks. The government intends to adapt teaching and learning methods to the use of new AI technologies and to implement an eInclusion Strategy to ensure nobody is left behind on the journey to a digital society.

The government will resource and implement the new EU Online Safety Framework to protect vulnerable groups from online harm and tackle disinformation. Furthermore, it will work with EU partners to balance the benefits of AI with the protection of privacy and other fundamental rights. Furthermore, a new National Cybersecurity Strategy will be developed in 2025, promoting a centre of excellence for cybersecurity skills, which is crucial for the safe deployment of AI technologies. The government also intends to support the Gardaí in using AI in criminal investigations which will be subject to clear guidelines and oversight.

Isabel Humburg, intellectual property expert at Pinsent Masons, said: “These AI initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to integrating AI into various sectors to drive innovation, economic growth, and improved public services while ensuring ethical considerations and privacy protections are maintained.”