3035. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an overview of the AI policy in place within her Department; if AI has been incorporated into any work streams; if AI is ever used in reply to parliamentary questions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58654/26]

The Department has adopted the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service and is developing a Department-specific AI Framework. A suite of supporting documents, including an AI Policy, staff guidance and a Training and Awareness Plan has been prepared and is progressing through the Department’s approval process. The framework is intended to align AI use with the EU AI Act and relevant public-service, data protection and cybersecurity requirements.

The Department has an AI governance group in place to oversee the Department’s approach. Governance arrangements include an AI Register and a proportionate use-case assessment process to ensure that proposed uses are assessed, recorded and subject to appropriate safeguards.

AI is not currently incorporated into any work streams and is used as a general productivity and administrative support tool. Microsoft Copilot Chat is available to staff through Teams and staff have also been provided with practical guidance on the appropriate use of AI, including clear do’s and don’ts. AI is not used to make decisions or issue replies independently. Any material produced with AI assistance must be checked, validated and approved by the responsible officials, with the final response remaining the responsibility of the Department in line with human oversight.

The Department will continue to develop its governance, policy, guidance and training arrangements to support the safe, responsible and proportionate use of AI, with human oversight remaining central.