Artificial Intelligence Act Signed Into Law
New Legislation Enacted
Authors: Niall Pelly, Partner and Ailbhe Marsh, Associate
The Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act 2026 was signed into law, with most provisions taking effect on 31 July 2026. The Act establishes Ireland’s framework for implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (the EU AI Act) and creates national oversight and enforcement mechanisms, including direct supervisory powers for Irish regulators.
Employers are classified as deployers of AI systems under the Act, including when using off-the-shelf AI solutions. As a result, employers must comply with the deployer obligations under the EU AI Act, including requirements relating to risk management, transparency, and human oversight.
EU Digital Omnibus on AI Now in Effect
New Regulation or Official Guidance
Authors: Niall Pelly, Partner and Ailbhe Marsh, Associate
The Digital Omnibus on AI was formally adopted on 24 July 2026, amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (the EU AI Act). Employers using high-risk systems in HR functions will have until 2 December 2027, to ensure compliance.
The European Commission has also published draft Guidelines on the classification of high-risk AI systems. The amendments clarify the regulatory framework applicable to AI systems used in employment-related decision-making.
Proposed Pregnancy Loss Leave
Proposed Bill or Initiative
Authors: Niall Pelly, Partner and Ailbhe Marsh, Associate
The Irish government has approved publication of the General Scheme of the Pregnancy Loss Leave Bill 2026. The proposal would provide employees who experience pregnancy loss before 23 weeks’ gestation with a statutory entitlement to five days of paid leave per year to obtain support and assistance related to their loss.
Under the proposed framework, the leave would be available from the first day of employment, although payment would be subject to a 13-week service requirement. Employers would pay the leave at the same rate as statutory sick pay, currently 70% of normal gross earnings, subject to a daily cap of EUR 110. The bill has not yet been published and must still complete the legislative process before becoming law.
Autumn 2026 Legislation Program Signals Key Employment and Regulatory Reforms
Proposed Bill or Initiative
Authors: Niall Pelly, Partner and Ailbhe Marsh, Associate
The Government’s Autumn 2026 Legislative Program identifies several employment-related reforms as legislative priorities. Among them is the Employment Equality (Gender Pay Gap Information) (Amendment) Bill, which would require employers to submit gender pay gap information through a centralized reporting portal. The Government also confirmed that legislation implementing the EU Pay Transparency Directive remains in development.
The program further indicates that work is continuing on proposed reforms relating to pregnancy loss leave and surrogacy leave, signalling continued legislative focus on workplace equality and family-related leave entitlements.
