3651. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Health the usage of artificial intelligence within her Department; the categories of usage; the usage of artificial intelligence within any bodies under the aegis of her Department; the categories of usage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57227/26]

My Department has an approved policy on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is based on recommendations from the National Cyber Security Centre’s Cyber Security Guidance on AI deployments for Public Sector Bodies and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform’s Interim Guidelines for Use of AI in the Public Service. The default approach is that GenAI is not to be used for departmental business, unless there is an approved business case, following appropriate risk assessments. Where Gen AI is used to contribute, the policy states that it is not to be used to directly create official documents.

My Department recognises the possibilities offered by AI and a pilot implementation is currently underway regarding possible use cases for internal use, including improved efficiency and productivity. This will inform decisions regarding the potential use of Gen AI in the future.

I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Details for other bodies under the aegis of my Department are operational matters for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.