James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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166. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will outline the steps his Department is taking to improve data collection and database construction in anticipation of the increased data processing capacity that artificial intelligence adoption entails; if he will outline the logic behind their approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18359/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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ICT services for my department are provided by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) under the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR).

The OGCIO have confirmed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications are looked at in the context of their wider data governance approach where data is viewed and treated as a strategic asset.

Ireland’s Data Governance Board was established in 2021 (under the Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019) to assist the Public Service in positioning Ireland as a leader in the field of data governance. The Board’s exemplary work was highlighted by the OECD’s recognition of Ireland’s progress in the 2023 Digital Government Index which placed Ireland in the Top 3 countries for data driven public service.

The Data Governance Unit in the OOGCIO provides guidance and frameworks to Public Service Bodies (PSBs), for dealing with public data, including strong data governance and standards for underpinning data workflows as well as support on the use of the Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019. Ireland works to minimise duplication and waste by adopting the Once Only Principle so that individuals and businesses need supply the same information/data only once to PSBs; allowing for the automation and provision of services across the public sector including compliance with GDPR. The adoption of AI will continue to leverage the significant investments made in areas such as data governance, systems and integrated platforms to provide the capability to gather and generate large amounts of data. The OGCIO have advised that they will continue to build on what is working well and introduce further fit-for-purpose complimentary structures/services to increase the collection, use and re-use of data to maximise value for money and improve outcomes through the use of AI.

The OGCIO is currently developing the next Public Service Data Strategy 2025-2030 which will be an ambitious, implementation orientated strategy to address identified obstacles and respond to national and international trends, including AI. I am advised that the strategy will place an emphasis on advancing key initiatives to provide real impact for policy makers so that they can harness data to inform public policy, improve services and monitor public sector performance. The strategy is being delivered as one of several priorities for their department under Pillar 3 of Better Public Services – Evidence-informed policy and services designed for and with our public. The strategy will include actions to ensure a coherent, systemic approach to implementation of EU regulatory requirements including AI. Strong data governance with a focus on data quality, and the ethical use of data are key foundations for successful adoption of AI and this will be a key focus through the development of the next Public Service Data Strategy and its implementation over the coming years.

While each department is responsible for any database development and stewardship specific to the responsibility of the department, there is a duty to safeguard the data that is gathered and shared. Therefore, the OGCIO will continue to place a strong emphasis on their data governance and ethical frameworks when using AI, which will be built on their existing governance arrangements, much of which were brought about through the last Public Service Data Strategy.

James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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167. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will identify any projects which the Department has underway with CeADAR, Ireland’s national centre for AI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18376/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm for the Deputy that my department follows the Government approved Interim Guidelines for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Public Service released in January 2024: www.gov.ie/en/publication/2127d-interim-guidelines-for-use-of-ai/. In addition, my department follows advice from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) released in June 2023.

I can confirm for the Deputy that my department currently does not have any projects underway or planned with CeADAR, Ireland’s national centre for AI.

James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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168. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will identify any projects which a body under the aegis of his Department has underway with CeADAR, Ireland’s national centre for AI; if he will send this question to the bodies for direct response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18394/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that none of the bodies under the aegis of the Department have any projects underway with CeADAR.

James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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169. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will specify the specific policy areas where the Department is examining future use of AI; if he will identify what entities the Department is working with, public or private, in relation to this examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18411/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm for the Deputy that my department follows the Government approved Interim Guidelines for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Public Service released in January 2024: www.gov.ie/en/publication/2127d-interim-guidelines-for-use-of-ai/.

In doing so, the Government recognised the opportunities AI presents to help improve the delivery of public services to our citizens. These guidelines also established that AI tools used in the civil and public service must comply with seven key requirements for ethical AI. These fall under the headings of: human agency and oversight, technical robustness and safety, privacy and data governance, transparency, diversity, non-discrimination and fairness, societal and environmental well-being, and accountability. My department recognises the potential of AI and is monitoring developments in this area.

In addition, my department follows advice from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) released in June 2023. The NCSC guidance inter alia recommended that new technology should only be adopted based on a clearly defined business need following an appropriate risk assessment.

With regard to specific policy areas, I can confirm my department is currently conducting a joint research project with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) to examine the potential impacts of AI adoption on employment, household income, and income inequality in Ireland.

Furthermore, my department, in partnership with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (who are the policyholders of the National AI Strategy) have undertaken analysis to assess the impact of AI on the Irish labour market. In June 2024, the department published an 'AI: Friend or Foe?‘ series, examining this impact. This publication is available online at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/6538e-artificial-intelligence-friend-or-foe/.

James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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170. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will identify any AI training offered to people working in the Department; the level of take-up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18428/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department follows the Government approved Interim Guidelines for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Public Service released in January 2024. In doing so, the Government recognised the opportunities AI presents to help improve the delivery of public services to our citizens.

The Department of Finance recognises the potential of AI and is monitoring developments in this area and is considering potential training needs and opportunities. To date members of my Department's HR Unit attended a short ‘AI in HR’ course. However, we have not yet offered formal AI training across the Department.