Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 April 2026
676. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport whether any artificial intelligence tools or systems are currently being used within his 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 he will make a statement on the matter. [24465/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince September 2024, staff in my Department have had access to Copilot Chat and in 2025 a small pilot to assess M365 Copilot was initiated. Both pilots are taking place under Department issued guidelines which are aligned with the Government’s “Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service” published in May 2025 and supported by a range of customised AI training that has been made available to staff. The purpose is to familiarise staff with the capabilities of AI platforms and to assess their potential to deliver benefits to the work of the Department.
My Department has also developed a proof of concept Chatbot for internal only use by the Coast Guard. This is still being evaluated, and no decision has yet been made as to whether it will be deployed for use in an operational setting.
In relation to the use of AI in bodies under the aegis of my Department, I have referred this question to them for a direct reply. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please advise my private office.
