895. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department and agencies under the aegis of her Department have policies on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the Department and those agencies; whether training has been provided to staff on the use of AI; if her Department has used AI, including large language models, in the preparation of legislation or statutory instruments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1588/25]

Guidelines for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in my Department are currently being prepared, incorporating the principles highlighted in the "Interim Guidelines and Principles for the use of AI" published by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.

My Department has not developed its own training in relation to AI, however staff in the Department may avail of training courses on Artificial Intelligence provided by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, the Institute of Public Administration, or other providers.

AI, including large language models has not been used in the preparation of legislation, or statutory instruments

There are four bodies under the aegis of my Department – the Citizens Information Board,  the Pensions Authority,  the Pensions Council and the Social Welfare Tribunal. The Citizens Information Board have issued guidelines to staff on the use of AI and some staff have undergone formal training on AI.

The Pensions Authority are in the process of drafting a formal policy for their staff on using AI.

The Pensions Council and Social Welfare Tribunal are staffed from the Department of Social Protection’s existing resources so separate policies are not required.