Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 January 2026
41. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence if any website or other platform operated by her Department uses an AI-enabled chatbot; if there are plans to use chatbots; in what circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4831/26]
View answerThe Department of Defence is not currently using AI chatbot technology on its platforms. The Department of Defence website (www.defence.ie) operates as a page within the gov.ie platform which is managed by Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO). I have been informed by the OGCIO that they are developing AI-enabled chatbot technology for integration with the gov.ie platform. This initiative aims to provide members of the public with accessible, real-time support with government services and information, in line with the Digital Public Services Plan 2030. A public beta test of the gov.ie chatbot is planned for the first quarter of this year.
In addition, the Department’s associated websites www.civildefence.ie and www.civildefencecollege.ie do not utilise AI-enabled chatbot technologies.
