AQW 42264/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 11/03/2026
Answered On Date: 27/03/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail how digital inclusion is being considered as part of the work of the Office for Digital and AI.

Answer:

Digital inclusion is a core consideration of the draft AI Strategy, which is explicit in identifying training and literacy as one of its eight core principles. The aim is to ensure that digital transformation delivers benefits across society, supported by strong governance, transparency and accessibility.

The Strategy is intended to guide departments in prioritising inclusion throughout service design and delivery. Making services easy to use and accessible is a shared responsibility. The Office will continue to advocate this approach as AI solutions are developed to ensure they are applied ethically, generate social value, and align with human needs and expectations and are supported by strong, meaningful human oversight.