Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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668. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department has a policy, or has issued guidance to staff on the use of artificial intelligence, large language model, natural language processing, generative or otherwise, or products based thereon in the course of their duties; if this has been communicated to staff; if he will publish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36143/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has a policy on the use of Generative AI written in line with advice and guidance issued by Government and the National Cyber Security Centre. All ICT related policies are available to all staff. For security reasons, it would not be appropriate to disclose details of the policy.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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669. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department, or any agency under his auspices, has ever used any artificial intelligence software in the preparation of response to parliamentary questions, or in responses to any correspondence from outside the organisation; the details of same if applicable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36162/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Health has not implemented AI systems yet but recognises the possibilities offered by AI and, in particular, generative AI.

It is currently developing its own policy for the potential use of generative AI in a safe and controlled manner. The policy is based on recommendations from the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) Cyber Security Guidance on Generative AI for Public Sector Bodies and DPENDR’s Interim Guidelines for Use of AI in the Public Service.

The default approach is that GenAI is not to be used for departmental business, unless there is an approved business case, following appropriate risk assessments.