Dr Barry Scannell

The 12-member board is appointed by the government, with the five new joiners – who include Ramatoulaye Adama Diallo, Eibhlín Morley and Catherine Opdebeeck – taking on the role for a five-year term.

Dr Scannell is an expert in AI law and policy, specialising in intellectual property, AI compliance and governance, data protection, and commercial contracts.

A partner in the technology law group at William Fry, he advises major Irish and international organisations on the legal and regulatory challenges posed by AI technologies and is a recognised voice in public discourse on AI and its implications for the creative industries.

He holds a PhD in AI and copyright and plays an important role in helping shape Ireland’s AI policy as a member of the government-appointed AI Advisory Council, where he chairs its working group on AI and the creative sector.

He was previously director of legal affairs and regulatory compliance at IMRO, the Irish Music Rights Organisation.

Mr O’Sullivan brings over a decade of professional legal experience as a qualified solicitor with legal, regulatory and governance roles across the financial services sector.

He currently serves at senior executive level in CCH, an investment holding company, and as a non-executive director and audit committee member of Lotus Care Limited, a provider of residential care services for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

As well as investment experience and a record of civic and cultural sponsorship, he brings expertise in corporate governance, risk management and compliance, alongside a strong commitment to cultural engagement.

Culture, communications and sport minister Patrick O’Donovan said: “I am delighted to appoint five candidates of the calibre of Ramatoulaye, Barry, Catherine, Brendan and Eibhlín to serve on the IMMA board and congratulate them on their appointments.

“I know their wide-ranging knowledge and expertise will be of great benefit to the organisation and to the cultural community.

“Boards are central to the governance, oversight and strategic direction of all our national cultural institutions.

“I wish our newest appointees all the very best during their terms on the board of IMMA and would like to express my gratitude to each of them, and also to the existing members of the board, for giving so generously of their time and bringing their strength and depth of experience to bear in guiding this important national cultural institution.”