AQW 26460/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 01/05/2025
Answered On Date: 24/06/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, given the increasing importance of artificial intelligence in the workplace and the need to improve its adoption, to detail any consideration he has given to the development of training programmes to upskill and reskill officials in (i) the Northern Ireland Civil Service; and (ii) other statutory bodies and agencies.

Answer:

We have tasked the Chief Scientific and Technology Adviser (CSTA) with chairing a Task-and-Finish Group to scope out the role of an Office of AI and Digital. This stakeholder group includes representatives from government departments, industry and academia.

The contributions thus far have been invaluable in identifying the challenges and opportunities associated with adoption of AI across NI’s public sector.

The CSTA Office will progress the task of drafting the key elements for the Office of AI and Digital, and share this with the stakeholder group for consultation and input.

The AI skills required to upskill and reskill officials will be considered as part of the key elements for the Office of AI and Digital.

This structured and delivery-focused approach will ensure that the Office of AI and Digital is founded on a strong evidence base, is aligned to Executive priorities on efficiency and reform.