Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 April 2025
243. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Education if she will identify any AI training offered to people working in the Department; the level of take-up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18425/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not offered AI Training to staff working in the Department, as AI is not utilised to perform their duty. Officials in my Department are preparing a course on AI that will be made available to all staff once complete.
My Department continues to review and follow guidance issued by the National Cyber Security Centre, Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, and the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform on the use of Artificial Intelligence.
A proof of concept to examine if AI technologies could support Departmental staff in responding to customer queries was completed. The proof of concept focused on the potential for using AI technologies to analyse large volumes of publicly available information.
A limited trial is underway by my Communications Department to assess the opportunity for productivity gains of AI services which includes the transcription of public audio recordings to text, grammar and spelling assistance, translation of public information, and editing text in plain English. All text is reviewed and verified by a human.
My Department has no AI systems in place that processes citizens information.
My Department will continue to assess the suitability of AI on a solution by solution basis.
