Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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192. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has taken advice in respect of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within his Department in 2024 and to date in 2025; if any section of his Department currently makes use of artificial intelligence; if he will outline the purposes it is utilised for and costs associated with same; if he has consulted with any consultancy firms in respect of the use of AI; if he will provide a schedule of consultants engaged and costs of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6333/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In line with the National AI Strategy and the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) Cyber Security Guidance on Generative AI for Public Sector Bodies, my Department continues to keep the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for business purposes under review.

The use of AI, as with all enabling technologies, will be considered on a solution by solution basis. Any such considerations will be discussed and a risk assessment conducted as appropriate. My Department has not sought external consultancy advice in relation to the use of AI and continues to follow the guidance of the NCSC and and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform's (DPENDPDR) Interim Guidelines for Use of AI in the Public Service.

While no Departmental functions are currently assisted by any artificial intelligence products or software, my Department's core IT infrastructure is provided by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) under the 'Build to Share Managed Desktop' shared service. I have been advised by OGCIO that they have deployed AI powered security tools as part of the overall security posture.