Commission raises concerns over independence, coherence and transparency in proposed AI legislation
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) appeared before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment today, Wednesday, 13 May 2026, to discuss proposed legislation to regulate use of Artificial Intelligence. The Commission highlighted the crucial importance of seizing this transformative opportunity to deliver a coherent and effective legislation for Ireland which will protect fundamental human rights.
In its appearance before the Committee, IHREC warned that the General Scheme of the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026 as currently proposed risks creating an AI oversight framework that is insufficiently independent, inadequately resourced and lacking the transparency mechanisms necessary to ensure proper protection of fundamental rights.
IHREC will also call for amendments to ensure that the nine designated “Article 77” fundamental rights authorities, including IHREC, are properly empowered and resourced to effectively oversee AI systems that may impact equality, privacy, children’s rights and democratic accountability.
The Commission will outline concerns that the proposed AI Office of Ireland, which will act as the State’s central authority for coordinating and ensuring implementation of the EU AI Act, is subject to ministerial and executive control. IHREC will argue that this approach is inconsistent with both the letter and spirit of the EU AI Act, which requires national competent authorities to operate independently and without bias.
The Commission will press for the establishment of a mandatory national register of AI systems used by public bodies, warning that the increasing deployment of AI across public services cannot happen without meaningful transparency and accountability safeguards.
Speaking in advance of the hearing, Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner of IHREC, said:
“The rapid expansion of use of artificial intelligence across public services, workplaces and society must be matched by resources and political commitment in order to ensure that all human rights are protected. Ireland now faces a critical choice - whether to build an AI oversight system that genuinely protects people’s rights, or one that prioritises speed and industry interests over accountability.”
“The EU AI Act was designed to ensure that innovation does not come at the expense of human rights and equality. That requires strong independent oversight, properly resourced regulators, and meaningful transparency around how AI systems are being used by the State and private actors.”
“Ireland has an opportunity to show leadership during its upcoming EU Presidency, but that leadership must be grounded in public trust, democratic accountability and effective regulation.”
The Commission’s appearance comes amid growing national and international debate about bias, discrimination, surveillance, misinformation and the broader societal impacts of AI technologies, particularly on structurally vulnerable groups including children, disabled people, ethnic minorities and women.
The hearing takes place before the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment at 12.30pm on Wednesday, 13 May 2026.