Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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384. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department has taken advice in respect of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within her Department in 2024, 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. [6334/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department continue to review and follow guidance issued by the National Cyber Security Centre, Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, and the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform on the use of Artificial Intelligence.

A limited trial is underway by my Communications Department to assess the opportunity for productivity gains of AI services which includes the transcription of public audio recordings to text, grammar and spelling assistance, translation of public information, and editing text in plain English. All text is reviewed and verified by a human.

A proof of concept to examine if AI technologies could support Departmental staff in responding to customer queries was completed. The proof of concept focused on the potential for using AI technologies to analyse large volumes of publicly available information. An external service provider assisted with this at no cost to the Department.

My Department will continue to assess the suitability of AI on a solution by solution basis.