385. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if officials from her Department are using an application (details supplied) to conduct business; if her Department has had official meetings regarding the use of the application by officials; if her Department has assessed the risk of using the application by Department officials and the input of Government-related data into the application; if her Department is using or is considering using other forms of artificial intelligence; if her Department is considering banning the use of the application by Department officials; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21097/23]

My Department has denied access to the application in question pending a risk assessment of its use and therefore does not use the application to conduct any business. The Department continues to work closely with experts in the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to ensure that we follow best practice and advice on all aspects of cyber security. Limited Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used within some areas of the Department and I am satisfied any risks associated with its use is being proactively monitored.