James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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27. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps her Department is taking vis-à-vis AI and all of her Department's responsibilities, including primary and secondary education (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59716/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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There is a need to ensure careful consideration about the use of AI in all aspects of teaching, learning and assessment, and it is important that teachers and school leaders understand the strength and limitations of AI but also address the ethical considerations and risks involved. Education and training have a key role to play in ensuring that when AI is used, it is done so effectively and ethically and in line with data privacy legislation, regulations and guidelines.

While AI has the potential to enhance education and inclusion, there are also risks and challenges with its use. As an evolving and emerging technology, it is important that the response and guidance is evidence informed and sufficiently robust.

The Guidance on AI in Schools is an important resource in the area of supporting school leaders and teachers. It is worth noting that the guidance is a living document, designed for regular review as technology, regulation, and classroom practice evolve. Rather than issuing fragmented advice, the Department prioritised a resource that schools can trust and that will grow with their needs.

While its preparation was underway Oide TiE created an AI Hub, a carefully curated digital space to support school leaders and teachers, considering the use of Artificial Intelligence. It promotes both the practical implementation and ethical application of AI, ensuring that schools adopt AI technologies in a thoughtful and effective way. It provides access to resources including a short online course and an AI video series and the hub will continue to be updated with further resources and supports.

In addition, Oide TiE has collaborated in several AI pilot projects such as DALI4US, AI4T, FACTaL, ACT-AI, and AI-DL, which explore areas from data literacy and ethical AI use to generative AI for formative feedback. These pilots and training initiatives have informed the guidance and will continue to shape future updates.

The State Examinations Commission has recently commissioned research on the potential role and impact of generative artificial intelligence in the context of teacher-based assessment and external assessment for certification purposes. This research will consider both the unique opportunities and challenges associated with generative AI in the context of assessment for certification.

Curriculum reform currently underway across all levels seeks to ensure that learners gain the digital awareness, skills and critical understanding needed to engage effectively in an increasingly digital world.

Digital literacy and skills are embedded throughout the curriculum from primary through post-primary, offering multiple opportunities for learners to engage with technology, media and information critically, creatively, and safely.

It is also worth noting that Ireland is one of six beneficiary authorities who received approval for a multi-country EU Technical Support Instrument (TSI) Project Futureproof Education: Supporting schools in the AI evolution. This project will be implemented by UNESCO over a period of 24 months. This project will support the development of strategies and tools for AI implementation in school education, providing guidance and tools to schools for ethical AI usage, enhancing digital literacy and inclusivity. Its outputs will include an As Is analysis of the use of AI in schools as well as toolkits for teachers and school leaders. Engagement and collaboration with management bodies, teachers unions and school communities will play a vital role in the success of this project.