AQW 46129/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 13/05/2026
Answered On Date: 04/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail how Artificial Intelligence is being used by, and within (i) his Department; and (ii) the arm's length bodies sponsored by his Department.

Answer:

In my Department, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), follows the NICS AI Policy Guidance – Securing Maximising the Benefits of Artificial Intelligence, which requires any outputs from the application of AI, to be reviewed and approved by officials before they are adopted. How AI can be used effectively to support departmental business is still developing, but to date, the use of AI is being considered in areas such as minute taking, producing presentations, analysing consultation responses, reviewing reports and its potential use in training/learning materials.

The ALBs sponsored by my Department, report that AI is being developed as a practical support tool to assist staff in areas such as to help analyse documents, prepare press releases, summarise large documents, draft reports and materials, draft training programme outlines and support materials, initial data analysis, transcribe online/hybrid meetings, assist with the design of promotional materials for training and events, and internal project planning. All ALBs report that a controlled approach is in place to ensure safe and appropriate use and the professional judgement of staff in the final output is maintained.