302. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces are incorporating artificial intelligence technologies into operational planning, intelligence analysis and cybersecurity activities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59141/26]

As a matter of policy, my Department and the Defence Forces monitor technological developments and engage, where appropriate, with national and international partners, academic institutions, and industry to ensure awareness of developments that may have relevance to defence and security requirements.

However, for operational and security reasons, I cannot disclose specific details regarding the extent to which technologies, capabilities, systems, or methodologies are employed or not by the Defence Forces in operational planning, intelligence-related activities and cybersecurity operations. The disclosure of such information could reasonably be expected to prejudice the effectiveness of Defence Forces operations and the security of the State.

I can assure the Deputy that any consideration or adoption of emerging technologies by the Defence Forces is undertaken in accordance with applicable Government policy, relevant national and EU legal frameworks, information security requirements, ethical considerations, and is informed by the Defence Forces' operational needs and capability priorities.