Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 April 2026
279. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether any artificial intelligence tools or systems are currently being used within her Department or in agencies under its remit; the purposes for which these tools are being used; whether any departmental guidance or governance structures have been developed to support their responsible use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24454/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is actively exploring the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and considering the policy and security considerations that arise.
The Department is testing internally deployed AI Large Language Models to assist officials with knowledge management and document analysis across a number of business units.
A notable example is an internally hosted digital assistant that provides Passport Service staff, who are engaged in application processing, with a real time resource to query guidelines, procedures and rules for passport issuance.
The Department is currently updating its Policy and Guidelines to staff on the use of AI. Its approach will be rooted in the Guidelines on the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service.
The policy will provide a refreshed framework for the appropriate use of AI technologies so as to identify the right use cases for AI, and enhance the quality of our public services, our efficiency and our productivity, and in so doing uphold ethical standards, fundamental rights, legal compliance and public trust.
