Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 October 2025
36. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the statutory or regulatory changes required to allow Garda members to make contemporaneous notes using AI transcription tools in place of handwritten records; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53828/25]
View answerAny use of Artificial Intelligence by An Garda Síochána complies with the “Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service” issued by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery & Reform (DPENDPR) in May last, which is applicable to the public service as a whole.
I am informed that, at present, An Garda Síochána does not use AI to transcribe electronic recordings of interviews. If this facility becomes available in the future An Garda Síochána will consult with my Department in relation to any legislation, primary or secondary, that may be required.
I am informed by Garda Authorities that they do not currently have a specific internal Garda policy on the use of artificial intelligence. However, An Garda Síochána has a number of existing related policies and procedures that govern the way in which new technologies are used within the organisation. This includes HQ Directive 56/2019 which introduced the current ICT Information Security Policy and Acceptable Use Procedure. The procedure outlines that the use of unlicensed or unapproved software products that are not appropriately licensed for use by An Garda Síochána is strictly prohibited.
