The Department recently published the action plan on collective bargaining. The implementation of this plan is an important and welcome step towards better collective bargaining coverage, but there is no commitment to change the voluntary system of industrial relations. That system gives employers a veto on engagement with their workers collectively. Why is this the case?
Sentiment score: 0.27
My goodness, I am so sorry. This is not what I have prepared for. Can I swap the order? I do not have it in front of me. I will have to skip the question.
Sentiment score: 0.03
Would it be okay to take two minutes to prepare?
Sentiment score: 0.23
Is that okay with the Minister? Many thanks. My apologies.
Sentiment score: 0.22
Perfect.
Sentiment score: 0.57
6. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the means by which the transition of the new AI office to a fully independent statutory body will be managed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62287/25]
Sentiment score: 0.01
I thank Members for facilitating me. Will the Minister outline the means by which the transition of the new AI office to a fully independent statutory body will be managed? Will he provide some details in that regard, please?
Sentiment score: 0.23
It is helpful to hear how much effort is going into the establishment of this office. I held two leadership roles in a State agency that is arguably the most independent. The national human rights institution in any jurisdiction is informed by the Paris Principles. We have to understand how that independence is going to be guaranteed in this instance. If the body originates from within the Department of enterprise, then I have concerns that conflicts exist which may create fundamental issues on the foundation of the organisation that will carry on into its future. It would be really helpful if the Department were to look at the Paris Principles and identify how we can ensure independence. Across the State agency sector, which is where many competent bodies sit, we have varying levels of independence, of powers of reporting and so on. All of these regulatory functions are challenged by a lack of independence and inconsistency across those bodies. AI and what it is going to do to our society are such fundamental issues that we have to get this right from the outset. Rather than focus on speed, I want to ensure that we look for quality at the foundational level.
Sentiment score: 0.11
I am glad the Minister raised public trust because I feel there is this kind of pushback against regulation in terms of losing our competitiveness, missing opportunities and America and China racing ahead with their AI development. The issue I have is that their development will lead to products built in a regulatory environment that will not have public trust. We must look at that regulatory space and make sure that even the requirements Europe is putting forward to us meet the standards we want here. We have heard from colleagues already this morning that they feel we should be best in class. Sometimes I hear from Government spokespeople that we are best in class. I do not believe that is the case. For example, I do not believe the Data Protection Commission, DPC, has proven its worth in the past number of years. Even though it has the powers, it has not enforced them. Similarly, if we do not get it right from the outset with the AI office - and we already see online all the ways in which AI can go wrong, for example the slot which is currently generated - it will mean people will not use AI or trust it. It will fundamentally undermine our democracy and society. It is important we get it right from the outset. I encourage the Minister to look at the Paris Principles.
Sentiment score: 0.22