Written answer
Artificial Intelligence
The Department uses approved AI for searches, drafting, summaries, invoice processing and training, with safeguards and human oversight; agency usage data is unavailable.
4205. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the usage of artificial intelligence within his Department; the categories of usage; the usage of artificial intelligence within any bodies under the aegis of his Department; the categories of usage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57226/26]
Comment on this
My Department has an Acceptable Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems Policy, which provides a framework for the safe and responsible use of AI in within the Department. The Deputy should note that the policy was developed in collaboration with the Department of Education and Youth (DEY) which has lead responsibility for the delivery of ICT services and AI policies under the terms of an agreed Memorandum of Understanding. The policy applies to employees, contractors and authorised third parties using AI on behalf of the Department.
AI currently supports some administrative tasks within the Departments, including:
• Generative AI tools to assist with knowledge work, such as, information searches, drafting and summarising content.
• Intelligent document processing to automate the entry of invoices.
• Generative text-to-video technology to support and enhance training materials.
All use is governed by the Department’s Acceptable Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems Policy. Only AI systems that have undergone Departmental assessment and approval may be used. Appropriate staff training and human review of all outputs are mandatory, and accountability remains with the human user.
The information in respect of agencies or other bodies under, within the scope of the Deputy’s question, is not held by my Department. Contact details for these bodies are set out at the following link, should the Deputy wish to contact the agencies or other bodies directly with his query.
The Department will continue to assess opportunities to use AI where it can support the effective delivery of public services, subject to appropriate safeguards, governance, and human oversight.
DFHERIS Aegis Body Contacts for Oireachtas - April 2026