James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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36. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which her Department's 'Guidance on Artificial Intelligence in Schools' was benchmarked, if it all, with European counterparts; the input the AI Advisory Council has had on the guidance; if she and her Department have reviewed the steps Estonia is taking in respect of AI in schools; if there are any lessons which could be applied in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59717/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Guidance on AI in Schools was prepared by Oide TiE and the Department of Education and Youth whilst taking into account various frameworks, reports and guidance from other jurisdictions as well as from the OECD, UNESCO and the European Commission. It also benefits from experiences with various AI pilots and initiatives involving teachers and school leaders.

An early draft was provided to the AI Advisory Council Education Sub-Group and a meeting was held with representatives from that group where they outlined their feedback. This was considered and taken into account in the next draft of the guidance and a response was also provided to the Council.

The department is aware of developments in the Estonian education system around AI in schools and the AI Leap programme and will continue to liaise with EU colleagues and monitor its progress. It is worth pointing out that Oide TiE have developed an AI Hub with extensive supports and resources for teachers and school leaders around the use of AI in education.

It is also intended to engage with the education stakeholders including management bodies and teacher unions in more detail at the next meeting of the Digital Strategy Consultative Group, which will be held in early December. This will facilitate engagement and feedback on the current iteration of the guidance and this will be used to help inform the next update. Further opportunities to provide feedback will also be offered.