Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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400. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the type of training provided to staff within his Department in the use of, or understanding of artificial intelligence; if a programme is planned for all staff on their obligations under the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67467/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department adheres to the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service issued in May 2025, as well as cybersecurity guidance issued by the National Cyber Security Centre in June 2023.

There are two Civil Service specific eLearning programmes on AI, which are available on OneLearning. These are ‘AI in the Public Service’, which is included as part of compliance training for all staff, and ‘Navigating the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service’ which staff in my Department are encouraged to complete. Specialist units, including the National Cyber Security Centre, have access to additional and specific subject matter training and expertise.

Specific staff training has also been provided to staff in connection with the deployment of the AI enabled Digital Contact Centre (DCC) in Immigration Service Delivery. Additionally, officials from my Department have attended seminars and conferences on AI and been approved to undertake additional relevant training in this area.

An AI policy and governance framework, aligned with national guidance, is currently being developed in my Department. As part of this work, my Department is assessing the obligations arising under the EU Artificial Intelligence Act. A staff training programme will be developed once the regulatory requirements are finalised.