Ireland Launches Expert AI Group to Build Public Trust in New Technologies

In response to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, Ireland has established a new AI Advisory Council designed to guide the country’s adoption of the technology and reassure the public. Announced by Minister of State Dara Calleary, the council comprises 12 independent experts from a wide range of sectors, including ethics, law, science, and industry.

The council’s goal is twofold: to help integrate AI in a way that benefits the public while ensuring citizens are confident about its use. It will offer strategic advice, promote public dialogue, and assist in shaping government policy on AI innovation. Calleary emphasized that the group’s creation is critical for “balancing innovation with societal trust” at a time when AI is transforming economies and daily life worldwide.

Chaired by Professor Barry O’Sullivan of University College Cork, the council will meet quarterly and address both immediate challenges and long-term strategies for AI in Ireland. The initiative aligns with the country’s broader National AI Strategy, which emphasizes ethical AI development, transparency, and protecting citizens’ rights.