International AI Summit to Launch European AI Innovation Month

Ireland will host the International AI Summit on 14 October 2026 as part of its Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The summit will officially launch European AI Innovation Month, in partnership with the European Commission.

The theme of the International AI Summit is ‘Harnessing AI to Revolutionise Europe’s Competitiveness’.

AI Office of Ireland Established with New Leadership

Paul Byrne has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer of the AI Office of Ireland (Oifig IS na hÉireann). Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD and Minister of State Niamh Smyth TD welcomed the appointment.

The AI Office of Ireland is the national authority responsible for coordinating the implementation of the EU AI Act in Ireland.

Board and Stakeholder Engagement

The Board of the AI Office of Ireland met for its inaugural meeting on 8 September 2026.

In September 2026, the AI Office of Ireland engaged with CeADAR Ireland, Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), Forensic Science Ireland, Ibec, and Meta as part of its stakeholder engagement programme.

Public Education and Regulatory Support

AIReady.ie is a free web-based resource provided by the AI Office of Ireland designed to help the public learn about AI through short online lessons accessible on computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Ireland’s AI Regulatory Sandbox Programme provides a controlled environment where AI developers can test AI solutions with regulatory guidance.

Source: AI Office of Ireland (official government site)