Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 March 2025
59. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what role has the use of artificial intelligence in our education system and how it is delivered at third level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14615/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraArtificial Intelligence (AI) offers transformative opportunities to improve the accessibility, quality, and responsiveness of higher education and training. However, these opportunities also bring challenges that require targeted support, policy guidance and appropriate safeguards.
As an agency of my Department, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) has appointed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy advisor with its National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. The role focuses on developing policy and providing practical guidelines on AI to institutions in consultation and collaboration with stakeholders across the higher education system.
The HEA is purposing its Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement (SATLE) fund to drive development in this space. Since 2022, €17.5 million has been allocated, including €5 million in 2024, to support over 365 projects across higher education institutions related to digital transformation, education for sustainable development and academic integrity. These themes are interconnected, particularly with AI, and are critical for HEIs to effectively manage the opportunities and challenges.
Established in 2019 by QQI, the National Academic Integrity Network (NAIN) is a peer-led network that also supports institutions to address the challenges of academic misconduct including those exacerbated by AI tools.
AI may offer opportunities for our further and higher education systems including research, through enhancing innovative and accessible techniques for teaching and learning to deliver a flexible future workforce with the skills required for the economy and society. It also has the potential to provide operational and administrative efficiencies and increased data analytics to enhance the policy responsiveness of the system to emerging student and industry needs.
As with all significant emerging innovations there are also challenges, which will be carefully considered by the sector including but not limited to; issues related to quality assurance and academic integrity, ethical and privacy issues, staff training and work planning. My officials and I will continue to engage with our and the sector to assess the emergence and impact of AI in third level education.
