Written answer
Artificial Intelligence
The Government is rolling out shared AI tools across the public service from 2027, backed by an advisory unit, staff training, funding and stronger data governance. Responsible-use guidelines and a coordinated framework are intended to support innovation while protecting public trust, transparency and accountability.
54. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the way in which he is enabling public servants to use AI in the delivery of services. [74403/26]
Comment on this
73. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the way in which he will enhance public trust in how the public sector uses AI. [74404/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 73 together.
My Department is taking a proactive and coordinated approach to enabling the responsible and effective adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across the Public Service, both to improve service delivery and to maintain public trust, in line with the policy objectives and targets set out in the Better Public Services Strategy, the Digital Public Services Plan, and the National Digital and AI Strategy.
My Department is ensuring the roll out generic AI capability across Government over 2027 to ensure that all public service bodies can avail of shared, trusted AI digital building blocks. This will provide interoperable AI platforms and services that will include tools for virtual assistants, summarisation and analysis of documents, as well as translation, transcription and efficient knowledge management. These technical tools will be supported by an AI Advisory Unit that will provide advice and expertise to guide effective deployment.
As part of Budget 2027, an additional €17 million was provided for the Digital Transformation Fund to help design and deliver effective and efficient digital public services that utilise AI in a responsible and trustworthy way. This funding is in addition to ongoing investment of €9 million in Government digital infrastructure to support the transformation of public services to ensure the delivery of Better Public Services.
In addition, my Department is leading on the delivery of an updated Public Service Data Strategy, which will strengthen how data is governed, shared and used across the public service, creating the data foundations for AI adoption.
My Department is also supporting the Institute for Public Administration’s Digital Academy which will offer digital, data and AI learning pathways for the public service in 2027. This will build significantly on the estimated 20,000 staff that have already participated in tailored AI training across the public sector.
To further enable responsible and innovate use of AI, Government will announce GovTech public service challenge areas and invite emerging technology providers to collaborate with the public service to accelerate innovation solutions to existing challenges.
Work is also underway in my department to determine the feasibility of a National Central AI Procurement Solution by end-2026 as well as to support inclusion of the Eircode database within the Open Data portal.
These initiatives build on Digital Ireland initiatives and on the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service, which were published in May 2025 to support Public Service Bodies in adopting AI in an ethical, transparent and responsible manner.
Taken together, these measures provide a coherent framework for the responsible use of AI in public service delivery, enabling innovation while reinforcing public trust, transparency and accountability.