The Policing and Community Safety Authority Chair Elaine Byrne and CEO Helen Hall are answering questions before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence in Leinster House today.
Click here to watch the meeting
The PCSA’s opening statement on the topic of Justice and Law Enforcement began with outlining our role in monitoring the implementation and use of emerging technology by An Garda Síochána.
The statement read by Chair Elaine Byrne said:
“Good morning, I would like to thank the Chair and members of the Committee for the invitation to meet you today. I am Elaine Byrne, Chairperson of the Policing and Community Safety Authority. I am joined today by Helen Hall, the PCSA Chief Executive.
“The PCSA was established on the second of April 2025 under the Policing Security and Community Safety Act 2024. We are the independent, statutory body responsible for the oversight of An Garda Síochána in respect of the delivery of policing services. We consist of an Authority of nine members, supported by an Executive team under the CEO, and are the successor organisation to the Policing Authority and the Garda Síochána Inspectorate.
“Our core objective is to oversee and assess the performance of An Garda Síochána in providing policing services to communities across Ireland.
“In respect of the introduction and use of AI and other emerging technologies in policing, we recognise that the overarching legal framework and pivotal decisions on whether and how to utilise them are primarily matters for the Oireachtas through the establishment of underpinning legislation. Thereafter, the manner in which they are introduced and given operational effect is the prerogative of the Garda Commissioner, the Garda Board, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, and wider Government. Our involvement in this part of the process is through the provision of informed advice on policing matters and as a statutory consultee.
“As the independent oversight body, our primary role in this space is to monitor the implementation and use of these systems by An Garda Síochána in its provision of policing services. As such, our Strategy for 2026-2028 contains a priority action to scrutinise the adoption of new and evolving technologies by An Garda Síochána, to ensure that their use is appropriate and proportionate.
“In practice we will place a key focus on the way that the use of AI is consistent with the statutory functions of An Garda Síochána and policing principles – namely that its use:
Is necessary, proportionate and lawful;
Protects, vindicates and doesn’t inappropriately infringe on human rights;
Supports the effective administration of justice;
Is understood by and considers the experiences of the public; and,
Is undertaken in an ethical and professional way.
“We are also closely following international policing research, developments and best practice to inform our work. Current and future AI adoption is a critical matter for society, with all sectors currently grappling with its potential benefits, risks and impacts; its introduction largely a case of when, rather than if.
“Policing is no different.
“But considering using AI in the context of policing is different given the power that is vested in police services. In particular, given that An Garda Síochána is both a national police and security service, there are heightened considerations to be given to the safeguards and governance around its introduction and use.
“The adoption of AI by An Garda Síochána has already commenced and is likely to be further facilitated through new and planned legislation such as the Recorded Devices Amendment Bill and that concerning live facial recognition.
“We recognise that emerging technologies, including AI, can of course have significant benefits for policing and the service that is offered to the public, including victims of crime. Emerging technology can assist in the prevention, investigation, and detection of crime. It can also contribute to the more efficient management of the garda organisation.
“It is also important to remember that AI and emerging technology can be, and currently is, utilised and exploited by those engaged in criminality and those who seek to threaten the security of our state. This can include the spread of mis- and dis-information, the creation of illegal images, and the execution of widespread cyber/fraud activity. In this regard policing must be adequately prepared and equipped to respond to evolving criminality.
“In these contexts, we need to prioritise the rollout of emerging technology. We need to be clear and realistic on where and how emerging technology such as AI might provide a benefit to policing, rather than engaging in its adoption for adoption’s sake.
“We believe, at present, that focussed consideration needs to be given to:
The key learnings and experiences that Ireland can draw from other policing jurisdictions that have been early adopters;
The necessary legislative and policy infrastructure that might be required to
facilitate its introduction and govern its use;
The clarity that exists within An Garda Síochána and is communicated to the public as to when, how, and within what parameters the technology will be used;
The way in which it can be used to vindicate human rights and provide an
enhanced policing service for the public and for victims; and,
The capacity within An Garda Síochána to adopt the technology.
“In this context, in setting statutory Policing Priorities for 2026-2028 we have sought that An Garda Síochána publishes a clear, accessible, and transparent framework that set out the safeguards that they will use when considering introducing and using emerging technology.
“This will continue to be priority area for oversight in the coming years, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss it with you today.”