Elaine Morrissey, Chair, and Gerard Kelly SC, Vice-Chair

The committee has been involved in a range of activities relating to data protection, digital services, technology, and intellectual-property (IP) law. Areas of focus during the year have included:

• Developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on legal practice,
• Ongoing engagement on data-protection issues affecting the profession,
• IP developments, including issues arising in the digital environment and in relation to copycat products,
• Engagement with relevant stakeholders on legislative and policy developments,
• Consideration of delays in legislation and the practical impact of those delays for practitioners and clients, and
• Contributions to Law Society policy work, including input into Government budget submissions.

Interactions with other organisations of interest during the year have included constructive engagement with the Data Protection Commission, Coimisiún na Meán, and the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland.

The committee continued to assist the profession by engaging with the Law Society’s Policy Department on matters of relevance to practitioners. It also contributed to policy discussions and submissions, including in relation to legislative delays and Government budget submissions.

The committee welcomed the established of the Law Society AI Forum and is looking forward to further engagement. It also has representation on the Working Group for Research Project on AI and Digitalisation.

During the year, the committee hosted an IP conference in September 2025 that explored recent developments in IP in the digital world and issues relating to copycat products. Committee members Gerard Kelly and Ann Henry spoke at the event, together with James Kelly from the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland.

Members also contributed articles to the Gazette on topics including AI and employment, IP, and copycat products, and they continued to support Law Society events and professional development initiatives, including speaking at events.

The committee also worked on updates to its web page during the year, with a view to ensuring that information available to the profession remains current, accessible, and useful.

My thanks to the committee members for their enthusiasm, support, and hard work throughout the year.