Written answer
Artificial Intelligence
The Department is piloting secure Microsoft Copilot for administrative tasks under human oversight, while its agencies’ AI use remains limited and independently governed.
4273. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht 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. [57231/26]
Comment on this
My Department recognises the potential benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) and is guided by the Guidelines for Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service ((DPENDR, 2025) and relevant National Cyber Security Centre guidance on AI Risk Assessment (NCSC, 2026) and Secure AI Adoption in the Public Sector (NCSC, 2026).
An internal Interim Strategy on AI use has been developed by my Department, informed by these guidance documents. In accordance with the guidance and interim strategy, AI is currently being used within my Department on a limited pilot basis through a secure deployment of Microsoft Copilot for a designated group of staff who have completed relevant training. The categories of usage currently being tested are administrative and productivity-support functions, including document summarisation, information retrieval, and support for routine workplace tasks. The Interim Strategy makes clear that all AI-generated outputs remain subject to human oversight and are reviewed, verified and validated by Department officials before use. My Department will continue to engage with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer regarding any future expansion of AI use in line with Government policy and best practice.
With regard to bodies under the aegis of my Department, there are eight agencies within my remit: Pobal, the Western Development Commission, the Charities Regulatory Authority, Water Safety Ireland, Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency. These bodies are independent legal entities and are responsible for their own governance arrangements, including decisions relating to the adoption and use of AI technologies. I have, however, been informed that AI usage across the agencies remains at an early stage. Current usage is generally limited to administrative and productivity-support functions. Specific information provided by the agencies is set out below: