Government have expressed the "vital" need to "demystify and build trust in and awareness of AI" in a new progress report.

This morning, The Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary, published 'AI – Here for Good', the progress report on the implementation of the National AI Strategy.

The report celebrated the achievements of the programme in the past year, including appointing Ireland’s AI Ambassador, establishing a forum focusing on industry adoption of AI and establishing an AI Innovation Hub.

The strategy also resulted in a National Youth Assembly on AI in October 2022.

'Challenges'

However, the report warned that AI had to potential to pose issues for Government.

"It is likely that there will be many unpredictable challenges for Government arising from the ongoing evolution of AI," it said.

"Given the rapid pace of change in the sector, particularly since the public launch of generative AI models, there is a need to ensure that the rollout of AI tools is safe, secure, human-centric and ethical," it said.

Government highlighted the need for "suitable, independent and balanced expert advice" to be available to it.

"It is vitally important to demystify and build trust in and awareness of AI, and to prepare the ground for wider application of the technology across our society and economy," it said.

"It is only through engaging with this technology, in a human-centric and ethical manner, that we can harness its full potential."

'Public discourse'

The report said Government recognise that "the pace of advancements is rapid" and over recent months "AI has really entered the public consciousness and discourse".

"There are concerns, both real and perceived, and we must address these to ensure that we are not letting opportunities pass us by," it said.

"We must ensure that we are having open and informed conversations on AI and all its potential.

"It is vitally important to demystify and build trust in and awareness of AI."

'Here for good'

This morning, Minister Calleary said consumer AI tools have become "widely available".

"More and more of us are aware that AI is here for good," he said.

"It is already transforming many aspects of the ways we work and live, and it will continue to do so.

“Looking ahead, I want to ensure we maintain our strong position and are ready for new challenges and opportunities as they emerge.”

Council

The Minister is now seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified individuals from academia, business, law, security, social sciences, economics, and civil society to serve on an AI Advisory Council.

The Council will provide independent expert advice to Government on artificial intelligence policy, with a specific focus on building public trust and promoting the development of trustworthy, person-centred AI.

“In order to better understand the risks and identify the opportunities of this technology, I am establishing an AI Advisory Council to support government in our work to build a more digitally, integrated, inclusive and competitive society and economy," Minister Calleary said.