Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 January 2026
74. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he or any of his officials have used artificial intelligence to write speeches, produce social media content for his Department, or to issue responses to parliamentary questions, since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4593/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm for the Deputy that officials in my department do not use Artificial Intelligence to write speeches or produce social media content.
I wish to advise the Deputy that my department follows the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service, published in May 2025. In doing so, my department recognises the opportunities AI presents to help improve the delivery of public services to our citizens. In addition, my department follows guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) including “Cyber Security Guidance on Generative AI for Public Sector Bodies” released in June 2023. The NCSC guidance recommended that new technology should only be adopted based on a clearly defined business needs following an appropriate risk assessment.
I can also confirm that my department recently developed an Interim Strategy on the Adoption and Use of AI within the Department which has been circulated to all staff. As set out in the Department's “Interim Strategy on the Adoption and Use of AI”, Artificial Intelligence should not be used to generate official content, such as Memos for Government, responses to Parliamentary Questions, Ministerial Representations, Ministerial speeches, and should only be used as an aid. Users should also disclose where AI- Generated content is used.
