AQW 42968/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 23/03/2026
Answered On Date: 27/04/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on (i) the work; (ii) the priorities; and (iii) any projects underway, within the Office of AI and Digital, since its establishment in June 2025.

Answer:

Since its establishment, the Office of AI and Digital has led the development of a draft Artificial Intelligence Strategy to guide the responsible, ethical and transparent adoption of AI across the public sector. The Office has coordinated structured input from all nine government departments, alongside engagement with industry and academia to ensure the proposed approach reflects operational need, technical standards and public trust considerations.

The priority is to progress the draft Strategy through a public consultation, enabling citizens and stakeholders to inform and shape the future direction of AI use in public services.

Work is ongoing across all departments to support early implementation planning, including aligning AI policy with wider digital transformation, data governance and workforce capability initiatives.