First head of Ireland’s AI Office appointed
The Government has appointed the first chief executive of the body set up to co-ordinate the implementation of the EU AI Act in Ireland.
Paul Byrne will head the AI Office of Ireland, joining the new body from the Medical Council of Ireland, where he served as executive director of education, innovation, and artificial intelligence.
Byrne is also the president of the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR), the international alliance of professional and occupational regulators.
2026 act
The office was established under the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act 2026, which was signed into law by President Connolly on 21 July.
The EU act entered into force in August 2024, with its provisions applying in a phased manner.
It applies directly across all EU member states and imposes risk-based obligations on providers, deployers, and importers of AI systems and models.
Public confidence
“I will work to ensure that innovative AI development can flourish whilst protecting fundamental rights and public confidence in AI,” said Byrne, who described the opportunities presented by the technology as “significant”.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said that Byrne brought extensive national and international experience to the role and would provide “strong leadership and strategic direction” for the office.
“The establishment of the AI Office of Ireland gives us an important focal point for AI regulation, innovation, and expertise,” said Minister of State Niamh Smyth, who has responsibility for AI.