The Institute of Directors Ireland

Lobbying Organisation The Institute of Directors Ireland

Date published 19 May, 2026

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Education and Training

Period 1 Jan. 2026 to 30 Apr. 2026

Specific Details New AI Governance Research and EU Presidency of the Council European Union | Director Prioritisation List

Intended results To share new IoD Ireland research, which addressed the perspectives of over 378 directors’ and business leaders’ views on AI Governance and competitiveness. The research was undertaken between 24 February – 6 March 2026. Our new research provides a clear message: Irish leaders recognise the transformative potential of AI, but the pace of adoption is outstripping the development of governance, skills, and regulatory preparedness. With 61% organisations already using AI tools, boards must now ensure they have the literacy, guardrails, and oversight mechanisms required to deploy AI responsibly.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Caroline Spillane CDir, CEO, IoD Ireland

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Email (1)

An email sharing the new research was issued via our CEO@iodireland.ie to Minister Niamh Smyth on 2nd April 2026.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Niamh Smyth Minister of State (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)

Declan Hughes Secretary General (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)