Seven experts join AI Office of Ireland board

Seven experts in technology, academia, and public administration have been appointed to the AI Office of Ireland, marking a significant milestone in Ireland's commitment to leading in trustworthy and human-centric artificial intelligence. The board, chaired by Mary Doyle, a former senior official in various government departments, includes prominent figures such as Prof Alan Smeaton, a distinguished AI researcher and former board member of the Irish Research Council; Alessandra Sala, director of AI and data science at Shutterstock; and Prof Deirdre Ahern, a professor of law at Trinity College Dublin.

Former Medical Council of Ireland executive director Paul Byrne joined the office as CEO, taking over from Donna Noble, who serves as the chief data and AI officer at Carne Group. Doyle emphasized that the board will ensure Ireland develops a robust and innovative AI governance framework while safeguarding fundamental rights and fostering public trust.

The AI Office of Ireland, established earlier this week, will serve as the primary point of contact for European Commission, national authorities, and the public concerning the EU AI Act, and is expected to drive AI innovation and adoption across the country.