861. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether the Office of Public Works is currently using AI technologies in the management of public buildings, heritage sites, maintenance programmes, procurement processes or energy management systems; to provide details of such usage and associated expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55310/26]

The Office of Public Works (OPW)  is currently utilising a closed Large Language Model (LLM) in its Corporate Digital Workplace, specifically a managed LLM provided within OPW's Digital Workplace platform. It is used mainly for interrogation and analysis of internal data sources, document drafting, document comparison, and report summarisation.

This general-purpose AI tool is available for use by those who perform management and administration tasks associated with public buildings, heritage sites, maintenance programmes, procurement processes, and energy management systems but is incidental to the main processes.  The cost is incorporated into the overall digital workplace platform and can vary depending on usage. Anticipated cost based on is current usage patterns is  estimated at 200 Euro per month.

The OPW has a Generative AI policy in place, informed by the national AI strategy, National Cyber Security Centre guidance, and Interim Guidelines for the Use of AI in the Public Service. Access to AI tools is restricted and requires approval, a valid business case, details of any risk assessments, and confirmation that the tool will be used for business purposes and in line with the policy.