The bill will establish an independent AI Office of Ireland to oversee the AI Act’s implementation.
A bill to enforce the EU’s AI Act in Ireland has been approved. Once enacted, the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026 will establish the Oifig IS na hÉireann – or the AI Office of Ireland – an independent statutory body which will act as Ireland’s central coordinating authority to implement the landmark EU law on AI.
The AI Act, which entered into force in August 2024, attempts to tackle some of the risks emerging from this technology while letting the bloc benefit from its economic potential.
The law applies in a risk-based and phased manner across all EU member states, imposing obligations on providers, deployers and importers of AI systems and models. Last month, the EU published draft guidelines for what it considers ‘high-risk’ AI systems.
Meanwhile, the new bill approved by the Government is only a technical regulation needed for the supervision and enforcement of the EU AI Act and does not add to its existing obligations. It comes as Ireland readies to assume presidency over the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December this year.
