Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2023
259. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has a policy on the use of artificial intelligence; and if any Departmental functions are assisted by language model-based chatbots (details supplied). [42815/23]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that Cybersecurity Guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in relation to Generative AI issued to Government departments, including my department, during the year. A National AI Strategy, “AI – Here for Good”, prepared by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment was also published in 2021.
The NCSC guidance referred to recommends that new technology should only be adopted based on a clearly defined business need following an appropriate risk assessment.
I understand that the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment have established a working group on AI in Public Services. This group are currently drafting principles concerning the use of AI in public services, which the two Departments expect to publish shortly. Guidelines on the use of generative AI will also be produced in the near future.
Officials from my Department do not currently have access to the application in question to conduct official business.
