Wicklow-Wexford chair of new Oireachtas AI committee to schedule public hearings
Like other Oireachtas committees, the new AI committee will advise the Houses of the Oireachtas, receive submissions and presentations from members of the public, interest groups and government departments, while scrutinising government expenditure and debating proposed legislation.
Having harboured a longstanding interest in new technology and its impact on society, Mr Byrne, who represents the Wicklow-Wexford constituency, said he had been seeking the establishment of such a committee for quite some time.
Explaining how the new Oireachtas committee will invite submissions from the public on views on AI, and 'the questions that people want answered', he said that there will be public hearings to 'explore the changes that are coming as a result of AI'.
'Artificial intelligence is changing so many aspects of our lives and will have a profound impact in areas as diverse as agriculture, transport, education, design,' Byrne said.
'When used properly, it has the potential to significantly improve the delivery of public services. We also need to explore the safeguards that must be put in place.'
'AI and other technologies will disrupt the labour market, so we will all need to upskill and reskill. Robots will not take over from humans, but workers who use artificial intelligence will replace workers who don't
'A lot of the real work in Leinster House gets done in the committees, and I look forward to starting in this exciting brief.'
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