Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 May 2025
54. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in light of the United Arab Emirates using artificial intelligence to assist in writing legislation, if his Department would consider a similar move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21541/25]
View answerMy Department first issued a policy document on the use of Generative AI to all staff in July 2023. That policy highlighted some of the potential areas where Generative AI can deliver efficiencies but also set out the risks of using such technologies and the mitigations that staff in the Department must adopt to avoid those risks. This was based on guidance received from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
The Department's original Generative AI Policy has recently been reviewed and an updated version has been issued to all staff which encourages and fosters greater use of Generative AI. Over the coming months my Department will explore and and scope specific use cases for the use of AI within the Department. While no specific use case for the drafting of legislation has yet been identified, the general principle of the Departments Generative AI Policy is that the technology can be used in most situations where it can improve the efficiency of the work and functions of the Department. General use cases include research, creating initial drafts or layouts for documents and supporting decision making. However, Department staff have been advised that they must make their own value judgments and be transparent and vigilant about any significant use of Generative AI. Staff remain 100% responsible for all outputs and they must ensure it is fit for use and factually correct. Where appropriate approval processes are put in place to ensure that all generated content is reviewed by multiple officials before it is published. In terms of the drafting of legislation, the Attorney Generals Office would also be consulted and, ultimately, it is the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC) who carries out the detailed drafting.
My Department led the development of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy - “AI – Here for Good”. As part of this Strategy, the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) play a key role in providing advice and guidance on the deployment of AI tools across the public sector including to my Department. The National AI Strategy and this cross-government engagement will continue to inform my Department's future approach in seeking to leverage A.I. in relation to the work and functions of the Department.
