Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 January 2026
90. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment 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. [4592/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department first issued a policy document on the use of Generative AI to all staff in July 2023. That policy highlighted some of the potential areas where Generative AI can deliver efficiencies but also set out the risks of using such technologies and the mitigations that staff in the Department must adopt to avoid those risks. This was based on guidance received from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
The Department's original Generative AI Policy was reviewed in April 2025 and an updated version was issued to all staff which encourages and fosters greater use of Generative AI. The general principle of the Departments Generative AI Policy is that the technology can be used in most situations where it can improve the efficiency of the work and functions of the Department. General use cases include research, creating initial drafts or layouts for documents and supporting decision making. However, Department staff have been advised that they must make their own value judgments and be transparent and vigilant about any significant use of Generative AI. Staff remain 100% responsible for all outputs and they must ensure it is fit for use and factually correct. Where appropriate approval processes are put in place to ensure that all generated content is reviewed by multiple officials before it is published.
My Department led the development of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy - “AI – Here for Good”. As part of this Strategy, the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) play a key role in providing advice and guidance on the deployment of AI tools across the public sector including to my Department. The National AI Strategy and this cross-government engagement will continue to inform my Department's future approach in seeking to leverage A.I. in relation to the work and functions of the Department.
