1967. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number and proportion of staff who have completed AI-related training programmes since January 2024; the levels of training, introductory or advanced use; to confirm the associated expenditure on each level of training provided, by his Department and public body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55880/26]

My Department is committed to building the Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities of our staff in line with the Government's wider National Digital and AI Strategy, “Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future”.

As of 6 July 2026 there were 7,326 (7,115.81 full time equivalent) staff serving in my Department.  Since January 2024, the following numbers of staff in my Department completed relevant training:

*The Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitisation are the owners of these AI courses.  They are information eLearning modules for all civil servants announcing policy changes in the use of AI.

Training in Copilot is being rolled out to all staff in a phased basis.

Additionally, specialist AI training is available to all staff in our Information Services Division (IDS) through an online ICT training platform.

7 ISD staff completed a Foundations in AI Certification for Public Sector course and the total spend on AI training in ISD from Jan 2024 is15,569 euro.

The Department will continue to support AI training opportunities for staff in the coming year, including through the national public service AI learning resources.