Ireland stands at a pivotal moment in the evolution of its health and social care system, seeking to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence whilst upholding its commitment to responsible, safe, and ethical innovation. The publication of AI for Care: The Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Healthcare in Ireland 2026-2030 alongside HIQA's Draft National Guidance for the Responsible and Safe Use of Artificial Intelligence in Health and Social Care Services marks a significant step forward in Ireland's approach to AI governance.
The AI for Care strategy envisions harnessing AI safely and responsibly to transform healthcare delivery for patients and the workforce. Built upon four strategic pillars; Clinical Care, Operations, Research and Innovation, and Public Health, deployment opportunities are mapped across a five-year roadmap. Crucially, the strategy emphasises a "human in the loop" approach, ensuring AI supports clinicians whilst keeping them at the centre of patient care.
The Regulatory Framework
These developments occur against a backdrop of significant EU legislation, most notably the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, which establishes a harmonised regulatory framework designed to protect people's health, safety, and fundamental rights. The Government is developing legislation for full implementation at national level, including plans for a National AI Office as the central coordinating authority. Fifteen competent authorities have been designated for enforcement across all sectors, with the HSE and the Health Products Regulatory Authority named in healthcare.
Principles for Responsible AI Use
HIQA's draft guidance establishes four fundamental principles: accountability, a human rights-based approach, safety and wellbeing, and responsiveness. Accountability is the cornerstone, requiring robust governance structures and clear lines of accountability across all AI uses. The guidance emphasises that AI tools must augment, rather than replace human judgement and clinical decision-making, with services empowering staff to exercise professional judgement in overseeing AI outputs.
Implications for Regulated Professions
Professional regulatory bodies will play a vital role in this evolving landscape. Existing and future standards from professional bodies regarding AI use will be relevant to services and staff. Clinical staff remain responsible for their decisions in treating service users, and current professional obligations, including codes of conduct promoting safe delivery of care, will continue to guide AI tool use.
Key Takeaways for Regulators
The rapid advancement of AI in healthcare makes clear, well-governed strategies critical; loosely-governed adoption risks undermining patient safety, ethical standards, and regulatory compliance. For regulators and oversight bodies, key priorities include reviewing how AI governance intersects with existing regulatory responsibilities and professional standards; ensuring accountability frameworks are fit for purpose; engaging with HIQA's public consultation on the draft guidance; and preparing for the implementation of the EU AI Act and forthcoming national legislation.
Beauchamps' Public and Regulatory team advises regulators and public bodies across the health and social care sector on governance, compliance, and regulatory reform. We are available to assist in navigating this rapidly evolving landscape and ensuring your organisation is prepared for the changes ahead.