Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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833. To ask the Minister for Health if her Department has taken advice in respect of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within her Department in 2024 and to date in 2025; if any section of her Department currently makes use of artificial intelligence; if she will outline the purposes it is utilised for and costs associated with same; if she has consulted with any consultancy firms in respect of the use of AI; if she will provide a schedule of consultants engaged and costs of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6340/25]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Training is currently being provided to a small number of staff regarding possible use cases of Generative Artificial Intelligence within our existing infrastructure, including improved efficiency and productivity. My Department spent approximately €3,000 last year, and will expect to spend approximately €8,000 in 2025 in respect of licences and training in this regard.

My Department has an approved policy in place on the use of Gen AI which 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 Gen AI is not to be used for Departmental business, unless there is an approved business case that has completed the appropriate risk assessments.

We have not formally engaged any consultancy firms but have met with firms to gain a better understanding of possible opportunities in the use of AI.