Written answer
Artificial Intelligence
The Department permits approved AI for administrative tasks under strict safeguards, but does not use automated AI to generate parliamentary question responses.
4219. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an overview of the AI policy in place within his Department; if AI has been incorporated into any work streams; if AI is ever used in reply to parliamentary questions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58662/26]
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.
The policy is based on five core principles:
• Only AI tools that have undergone Departmental assessment and approval may be used.
• Personal or sensitive Departmental information must not be entered into AI systems
• All AI-generated outputs must be reviewed and validated by a human.
• AI may support decision-making but must not replace professional judgement.
• Accountability for all outputs, decisions and actions remains with the human user.
Staff must complete training appropriate to their level of AI use. Approved tools may support low-risk knowledge work, including research, summarisation, drafting, translation, data analysis, troubleshooting, learning, brainstorming and the creation of visual content. AI outputs are not regarded as authoritative sources, and fully automated decision-making is prohibited.
AI currently supports some administrative tasks within the Departments, including:
• Generative AI tools to assist with 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.
There is no automated AI system in place in my Department to generate responses to parliamentary questions. All use of AI must comply with the Department’s policy, including the requirements for human review, validation and accountability.
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.