Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 February 2026
284. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to set out the policy in his Department regarding the use of artificial intelligence; whether AI is used or permitted in drawing up policy documents, speeches, answers to parliamentary questions, press releases or for other official documents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15619/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is tasked with building skills in new technologies and assisting their rollout. My Department is currently considering potential uses for the adoption of AI in its work, and a working group has been established to progress this. My officials occasionally utilise these technologies when generating work product and the circumstances in which AI is currently used by my officials include textual work, summarising and workshop structuring. Any such work is undertaken in strict adherence with the Guidelines for the Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service published in May 2025, which provide a practical framework to assist Public Service Bodies in designing, developing and deploying AI in a manner that is ethical, transparent and aligned with public service values. All outputs are subject to rigorous quality reviews with the process involving engagement at multiple points by humans. All text is reviewed and verified by a human and there are no AI systems in place that process citizens' information. My Department continues to review and follow guidance issued by the National Cyber Security Centre, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation on the use of Artificial Intelligence.
