Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called on the Irish government to defend artists' livelihoods from generative AI, announcing a Dáil debate on 14 July that will challenge what he describes as a "hands-off" approach to copyright and fair compensation. The move follows a major international study finding that nearly a quarter of music creators' revenue is at risk from AI by 2028, which could cost the sector billions and extends to writing, film, and the visual arts.
Revenue at risk for music and beyond
Ó Snodaigh, a former chair of the Oireachtas Culture Committee, said the promised AI revolution has not removed drudgery - it has come for the arts. He pointed to the scale of the financial impact already being measured.
"A major international study has found that almost a quarter of the revenue of music creators is at risk from AI by 2028, which could cost billions to the sector, and that's without looking at other affected artforms, such as writing, film and the visual arts," he said.
He underlined the mechanism behind the loss: "Put simply, generative AI systems use the work of human artists, without consent or compensation, and mimic their work in a way that competes directly with them. This makes it harder to make a living, and profit incentives drive the market towards cheaper AI output over human talent."
Organisations raising the alarm include the Irish Music Rights Organisation, the Irish Recorded Music Association, the Screen Composers Guild of Ireland, the Ivors Academy, the Irish Writers' Union, and Irish Equity. They warn that copyright protections - the bedrock of royalties - are being undermined.
Government inaction draws criticism
Ó Snodaigh accused the government of keeping its distance. Parliamentary questions to Culture Minister Patrick O'Donovan have been disallowed on grounds that he has "no responsibility" for AI matters. Creative sector representatives were not included on the Government's AI Advisory Council.
"Sadly, the Irish Government has been hands-off when it comes to this crisis for our arts," he said.
The Sinn Féin TD confirmed that his party will use its private members' time in the Dáil on Tuesday 14 July to force a debate on the issue, backed by extensive consultation with artists.
Ireland's chance to lead at EU level
The debate comes as Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Ó Snodaigh sees the motion as a chance to shape EU policy from the start - ensuring the needs of artists sit at the centre, not the margins, of AI regulation.
The European Parliament adopted a report in March demanding action on copyright and AI, with cross-party support from Irish MEPs. Ó Snodaigh wants Ireland to move from passive observer to active leader during its presidency.
"I invite artists and members of the public who care about the future of Irish arts to support this initiative, and I hope we can achieve cross-party consensus, followed by urgent action from Government," he said.
Why this matters for Government officials
Civil and public servants will be the ones translating any new AI copyright rules into practice, whether through legislation, procurement guidelines, or enforcement frameworks. The July debate signals that pressure is mounting for departments to move beyond a "no responsibility" stance and build practical expertise. AI for Policy Makers provides structured learning for those who need to design governance strategies that balance innovation with creators' rights. For broader skill-building across government roles, AI for Government Courses cover public-sector applications of AI analysis and oversight.
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