Written answers
Tuesday, 28 July 2026
Department of An Taoiseach
Artificial Intelligence
Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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11. To ask the Taoiseach the number and proportion of staff who have completed AI-related training programmes since January 2024; the levels of training, introductory or advanced use; and to confirm the associated expenditure on each level of training provided, by his Department and public body. [55881/26]
Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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A comprehensive learning and development programme is implemented by the Department of the Taoiseach to ensure that staff at all levels have the required skills and knowledge to perform their individual roles and deliver the strategic objectives of the Department. The programme includes training courses provided by the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) which is responsible for OneLearning - the learning and development system which provides training on the core skills and capabilities for the civil service.
The Department's staffing complement at end June 2026 was 250.3* FTE. In the period 1 January 2024 to date, a total of 93 staff in the Department completed AI-related training and other programmes. 42 staff attended one or more training courses that related to AI. In addition to training courses, 51 staff in the Department engaged in conferences, webinars and masterclasses relevant to their roles in areas related to AI. As part of the Department's comprehensive Learning and Development plan, further AI related courses, at both introductory and advanced levels, are expected to be completed before year end. Details of the training courses undertaken are set out in the table below.
| Department of the Taoiseach - AI Related Training: | Level of Training: | No. of Staff: | Cost: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Microsoft Copilot 365 | Introductory | 1 | €395 |
| Implementing the AI Guidelines: A practical Workshop for the Public Service | Introductory | 1 | €380 |
| AI Essentials and Effective Prompting | Introductory | 1 | €495 |
| AI in the Public Service | Introductory | 28 | No Cost |
| Navigating the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service | Introductory | 24 | No Cost |
| MS-4007 Copilot for Microsoft 365 User Enablement Specialist | Introductory | 1 | No Cost |
| Unlocking the Power of Microsoft Copilot Chat | Introductory | 3 | No Cost |
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only body under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach. NESDO's staffing complement at end June 2026 was 16.7 FTE. In the period 1 January 2024 to date, 15 staff in NESDO attended one or more training courses related to AI. Details of the training are outlined in the table below.
| NESDO - AI Related Training: | Level of Training: | No. of Staff: | Cost: |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI at Work: Copilot Chat (Enterprise) and Built-In Tools in Microsoft 365 | Introductory | 12 | €1,695 |
| Accessibility in-house training Workshop on the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) Website | Introductory | 2 | €2,189 |
| Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme | Advanced | 1 | €2,944 |
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