Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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8. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the type of training provided to staff within her 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 she will make a statement on the matter. [67463/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The civil service digital learning hub, One Learning, has introduced a training module on AI which includes information on obligations under the EU AI Act. This training is available to all staff in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Department has a policy in place on the use of Generative AI in line with advice and guidance issued by Government and the National Cyber Security Centre. ICT policies, including the policy on the Use of Generative AI and the policy on Appropriate Use of ICT, are available to all staff. Familiarisation with these policies form part of induction training provided to new entrants to the Department.

The Department is actively exploring the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and the policy and security considerations that arise. The Department is currently reviewing its existing policy to update it, in light of developments in AI and to take account of the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service. Further training needs are being considered in the context of this review.