Questions

3451. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether any artificial intelligence tools or systems are currently being used within his Department or in agencies under its remit; the purposes for which these tools are being used; whether any departmental guidance or governance structures have been developed to support their responsible use; and if h…

3473. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in his Department within the past three months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [25797/26]

3476. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which his Department is aligning skills and training programmes with the Central Bank's recent findings on AI related labour market risks, particularly for workers in roles identified as highly automatable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26061/26]

1057. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures being taken to prepare regional economies, including the Midlands, for the impact of artificial intelligence and digital transformation on employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22133/26]

2281. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline his Department's policy approach to the use of generative AI by students and researchers across the further and higher education system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20809/26]

284. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to set out the policy in his Department regarding the use of artificial intelligence; whether AI is used or permitted in drawing up policy documents, speeches, answers to parliamentary questions, press releases or for other official documents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15619/26]

1199. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated total cost of the proposed national online AI and digital skills platform intended to upskill up to one million people; the funding source for this initiative, including whether funding will be drawn from his Department’s Vote, the National Training Fund, or another source; the multi-annual bud…

1200. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the delivery model proposed for the national AI and digital skills upskilling platform; whether delivery will be provided directly by the State, through SOLAS, or via contracted private or third-party e-learning providers; the procurement process envisaged for selecting any such providers; and the governance…

1201. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the specific target cohorts for the proposed AI and digital skills platform; whether participation will be open to workers, jobseekers, SMEs, the self-employed, and those outside the labour force; the measures planned to ensure accessibility for people with low baseline digital skills; and if he will outline…

1202. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the proposed micro-credential framework referenced for the AI and digital skills platform; how stackability and formal recognition of qualifications will operate; whether these micro-credentials will align with the National Framework of Qualifications; and what engagement has taken place with e…

1203. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the evidence base used to support the target of upskilling one million people in AI and digital skills; the data sources relied upon, including reports from Ibec, OECD and the National Skills Council; and whether the Department has set interim targets or timelines for delivery. [7637/26]

1205. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science how the proposed AI and digital skills initiatives will address regional and sectoral skills gaps; whether specific provision will be made for construction, manufacturing, retail, and SMEs; and how regional disparities identified by the National Skills Observatory will be acted upon. [7639/26]

1215. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans to increase AI training places on Springboard+, Skillset, and Solas micro-credential courses in 2026. [8741/26]

114. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is concerned about the impact of AI tools on third level exam integrity; the measures being taken to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5368/26]

333. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he or any of his officials have used artificial intelligence to write speeches, produce social media content for his Department, or to issue responses to parliamentary questions, since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4595/26]

2575. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in his Department within the past 12 months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [74135/25]

2624. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department is using artificial intelligence tools for any graphic design or similar work in place of artists, designers or videographers; and if so, to outline which projects or units of the Department are affected. [2248/26]

2625. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether any agencies or other bodies under his remit are using artificial intelligence tools for any graphic design or similar work in place of artists, designers or videographers; and if so, to outline which projects or units of the organisation are affected. [2266/26]

247. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which his Department is preparing Ireland's workforce for the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence. [67772/25]

271. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the establishment of Ireland’s first AI factory antenna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68264/25]

707. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the type of training provided to staff within his Department in the use of, or understanding of artificial intelligence; if a programme is planned for all staff on their obligations under the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67464/25]

236. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether his Department has projects, contracts, or pilots currently being undertaken or in development that make use of agentic AI; if the use of these technologies is internal only or public facing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57626/25]

237. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total number of service contracts awarded to private consultancy firms, broken down by projects in IT, management, accounting and auditing, Department and cost, each year to date since 2000, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57659/25]

27. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline his investment plan for research in the area of artificial intelligence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54274/25]

360. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department is using agentic AI in the delivery of its services or operations; if it is considering the use of agentic AI, and in what contexts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55699/25]