Artificial Intelligence

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Questions (366)

Aidan Farrelly

Question:

366. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has taken advice in respect of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within his Department in 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; if any section of his Department currently makes use of artificial intelligence; if he will outline the purposes it is utilised for and costs associated with same; if he has consulted with any consultancy firms in respect of the use of AI; if he will provide a schedule of consultants engaged and costs of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4312/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

The use of AI in my Department is overseen by an AI Steering Group, chaired at Assistant Secretary General level, and governed by strict guidelines aligned to the Government’s “Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service” published in May 2025. My Department has not retained the services of any consultancy firms in respect of the use of AI.

Since September 2024 staff in my Department have had access to Copilot Chat under strict conditions ensuring its safe and appropriate use. There is no cost for this platform.

In 2025 my Department commenced a small pilot to assess M365 Copilot at a cost to date of €3,150. Also in 2025, a Coast Guard Chatbot POC was developed at a cost of €47,213.