Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 January 2026
88. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if any website or other platform operated by his Department uses an AI-enabled chatbot; if there are plans to use chatbots; in what circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4840/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) in my Department is 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 (www.gov.ie/en/deA). public beta test of the gov.ie chatbot is planned for the first quarter of this year.
The OGCIO also provides the underlying infrastructure and technical environment for a number of other Government websites, including ireland.ie and Citizens Information. Operational decisions, including communications and the deployment of features such as chatbots, are matters for those bodies.
OGCIO has supported the Citizens Information Board with the development of a pilot AskCI - an AI-powered chatbot that helps users find information on public services and entitlements in Ireland. This is currently in a pilot phase which commenced in late December 2025. AskCI is operated by the Citizens Information Board, operational decisions and communications regarding that service are a matter for the Board.
