Information and Communications Technology

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2023

Tuesday, 9 May 2023

Ceisteanna (240)

Ciarán Cannon

Ceist:

240. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if officials from his Department are using an application (details supplied) to conduct business; if his Department has had official meetings regarding the use of the application by officials; if his Department has assessed the risk of using the application by Department officials and the input of Government-related data into the application; if his Department is using or is considering using other forms of artificial intelligence; if his Department is considering banning the use of the application by Department officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21092/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform

Officials from my Department do not currently use the application to conduct official business. If/when the application’s use is being considered it will be discussed and a risk assessment conducted as appropriate. The Department has employed AI powered security tools as part of its overall security posture. The use of AI, as with all enabling technologies, will be considered on a solution by solution basis. The restrictions on the use of applications are considered as instructions/recommendations are made by appropriate responsible bodies of the State.