Ireland’s AI Advisory Council Report to Government: “Helping to Shape Ireland’s AI Future”

The AI Advisory Council today 21st February announced the release of its latest report, “Ireland’s AI Advisory Council Recommendations – Helping to Shape Ireland’s AI Future (February 2025).” This comprehensive report outlines key opportunities and strategic policy recommendations aimed at accelerating AI adoption in Ireland while safeguarding the nation’s economy, competitiveness, workforce, and society.

The report delves into six critical areas:

—  AI and the Future of Skills and Work: Improving our understanding of the transformative impact of AI on the labour market and promoting proactive policies to navigate the uncertainty ahead.

—  AI Ecosystem: Strategies to lead in applied AI: supporting start-ups and SMEs, accelerating funding, leveraging and expanding existing testbed initiatives, and unifying vision for growth.

—  AI Literacy and Education: Emphasising the importance of AI literacy training for educators and ensuring equitable access to AI tools in education.

—  AI Sovereignty and Infrastructure: Recognising the value of sovereign data and highlighting the importance of investment in energy infrastructure to our future participation in the AI economy.

—  Biometrics and the Public Service: Providing recommendations for the responsible use of AI powered Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) in public services.

—  AI and Ireland’s Creative Sector: Exploring the transformative impact of AI on the creative sector and proposing measures to protect creators and address AI misuse.

Dr Patricia Scanlon, Chair of the AI Advisory Council said:

“This report lays out actionable recommendations to ensure Ireland remains competitive in the global AI arena while fostering an inclusive, ethical, and sustainable future.

“We look forward to collaborating with the Government to further explore these opportunities and stimulate a forward-thinking dialogue that aligns Ireland’s AI development with best practices and ethical standards, ultimately securing long-term benefits for our economy and society.”

The Council presented the advice papers to Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke and the new AI and Digital Transformation Minister of State, Niamh Smyth. The advice was also sent to the Taoiseach.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said:

“The Council have emphasised that Government must take decisive and informed action to deliver a vision for AI in Ireland. These are all important issues that have been raised by the Council, and I will ensure that their views and expert advice is considered by Government.”

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation Niamh Smyth said:

“The Council’s advice is very much welcomed and will be given full consideration. I look forward to working with the Council and with Government colleagues over the coming months as we continue our focus on implementing the National AI Strategy”.

The AI Advisory Council will continue to provide insights and refine its recommendations over the coming year, ensuring that Ireland remains agile and well-prepared to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape and remain globally competitive.

Three supplementary advice papers provide more in-depth analyses on three specific thematic areas. The High-Level Recommendations report serves as the main document, while additional deep-dive analyses on the Creative Sector, Education, and Biometrics (FRT) further elaborate on these subjects. More detailed examinations of other thematic areas are planned for release over the coming year.

Read the AI Advisory Council Advice Papers here.