Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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293. To ask the Minister for Finance to detail any ongoing or previous use of artificial intelligence within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47335/23]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I 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.

For operational and security reasons, my Department has previously been advised by the NCSC not to disclose details of systems and processes which could in any way compromise departmental security. In particular, it is not considered appropriate to disclose information which might assist criminals to identify potential vulnerabilities in departmental cybersecurity arrangements, this includes any particular arrangements in place in relation to total spend on cybersecurity measures, cyber security tools and services.

My Department does not comment on operational security matters.