732. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development 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. [21098/23]

My Department's ICT managed service is provided by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform through the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO).

The use of all applications on DRCD devices is strictly monitored by both my Department and the OGCIO. All staff of the Department must comply with our ICT Acceptable Usage Policy and other relevant policies, including, the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour.

The application concerned is not currently in use in my Department and there are no plans to use this or other forms of artificial intelligence at this time. My officials will continue to keep the position under review.