Oireachtas to get its first AI-focused committee, with Malcolm Byrne as chair
2025-04-25T08:07:26Z
A months-long row over speaking time prevented parliamentary committees from being established.
A NEW OIREACHTAS committee focusing on artificial intelligence is to be chaired by Wicklow-Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne.
Byrne recently said in the Dáil that AI “presents incredible opportunities in healthcare and the provision of public services,” but that there is a risk it will be misused and erode trust.
He recently brought forward a proposal to criminalise so-called ‘deepfakes’ which seek to defraud, scam or trick the public.
Byrne has also called for a programme of education to to make people aware of the harm that can be caused by deepfakes.
The AI committee is just one that will begin its work after a months-long row over speaking time, which hindered legislative work and has prevented parliamentary committees from being established.
The row delayed the nomiation of the Taoiseach and led to a confidence vote in Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy, which the government won.
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That motion of no confidence was brought in response to opposition complaints that Murphy had been biased in her role in implementing the changes to Dail rules brought forward by government.
The changes allow some independent TDs who supported government formation to be given new speaking rights, alongside backbenchers in the coalition parties.
The controversial changes to standing orders also include a reduction of time for contributions on debating the order of business and a halving of slots for Taoiseach’s Questions.
The committees that will operate this Dáil term, as well as who will chair them, were announced yesterday. They are as follows.
Fianna Fáil:
Seán Fleming TD, Committee on Infrastructure & National Development Plan Delivery
Cormac Devlin TD, Committee on Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement
John Lahart TD, Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade
Cathal Crowe TD, Committee on Education and Youth
Aindrias Moynihan TD, Committee on Agriculture and Food
James O’Connor TD, Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment
Erin McGreehan TD, Committee on Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Malcolm Byrne TD, Committee on Artificial Intelligence
Fine Gael:
Micheál Carrigy TD, Committee on Housing, Local Government & Heritage
Barry Ward TD, Committee on European Affairs
Keira Keogh TD, Committee on Children & Equality
Michael Murphy TD, Committee on Transport
Naoise Ó Muirí TD, Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy
Catherine Callaghan TD, Committee on Members’ Interests
John Paul O’Shea TD, Committee on Social Protection, Rural, and Community Development
Sinn Féin has said they will announce theirs later today.
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