AI in recruitment classified as high-risk – Ireland appoints regulator
Ireland has appointed the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) as the regulator for AI systems in recruitment and HR, which are classified as high-risk under the EU AI Act.
What happened?
The Irish Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has been designated as the Market Surveillance Authority (MSA) under the EU AI Act. The WRC will monitor and inspect the use of high-risk and prohibited AI systems used in recruitment, personnel management systems, and employee evaluation. This decision means that employers using AI for HR purposes will face stricter regulatory requirements.
Key facts
| Status för HR-AI | Högrisk under EU AI Act |
|---|---|
| Antal tillsynsmyndigheter i Irland | 15 myndigheter utsedda |
| Utvisad myndighet för HR | Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) |
Why it matters
Under the EU AI Act, AI systems for personnel selection and workplace management are classified as high-risk because they directly affect people's livelihoods and rights. By assigning supervisory responsibility to existing labour market authorities, regulators aim to ensure that discrimination and unlawful algorithmic judgements are effectively prevented in the labour market.
Who is affected?
The change affects all employers and companies in the EU that use or develop AI systems for recruitment, promotion, performance measurement, or scheduling. Suppliers of HR technology and recruitment tools are also directly affected, as their products must comply with the requirements of the regulation.
Impact on the EU
The EU AI Act entered into force in 2024 and is applied directly in all member states, including Ireland and Sweden. The rules set stringent requirements for risk assessment, transparency, and human oversight for systems classified as high-risk, which includes AI tools for recruitment and management.
What else you should know
The law firm MHC (Mason Hayes & Curran) noted in an analysis that the Irish model of 15 collaborating supervisory authorities illustrates how EU countries are building their surveillance infrastructure around the AI Act. The work shows a rapid transition where existing labour and consumer protection agencies are being granted extended powers.
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