Government publishes new AI guidelines for public service

RTÉ News​

07-05-2025

The Government has published new guidelines for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the public service.
The framework advises against the use of free generative AI (GenAI) models.
This would include popular chatbot tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek.
"Free GenAI tools are very accessible but because they lack suitable management and oversight pose significant risks for use in the Irish public sector," the guidelines state.
"Any information given to a public GenAI tool could be used in training the model. Thus, we advise against their use in the public service," it adds.
The plan outlines the importance of having safeguards and human oversight in place, and the need for AI systems to be dependable and secure.
The guidelines state that systems must have robust policies in place to protect personal data and highlights the need for the public service to be transparent and upfront with end-users when AI systems are being used.
"This includes notifying end-users when they are interacting with an AI system (e.g. a chatbot) or where an output has been generated by an AI system," the guidelines said.
The plan states that AI systems that are being used must be fair and inclusive.
"Unfair bias in AI could harm individuals, communities, and society. Thus, we must undertake comprehensive bias detection and implement mitigation strategies where required," it states.
The guidelines include a decision framework for evaluating the potential use of AI, as well as steps to be followed at planning stage.
Learning and development materials, as well as free tutorials and courses, will be made available to public servants.
The Government said the guidelines compliment and inform existing strategies regarding the adoption of technology and ways of working already under way in the public service.
The guidelines contain examples of how AI is already being used across public services, including at St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin where staff are exploring the potential for AI to assist with performing heart ultrasound scans, in order to help reduce waiting times for patients.
The Revenue Commissioners are using large language models to route taxpayer queries more efficiently.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is developing an AI-supported solution to detect errors in grant applications and reduce processing times.
"AI offers immense possibilities to improve the provision of public services," said Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers.
"These guidelines support public service bodies in undertaking responsible innovation in a way that is practical, helpful and easy to follow."
"In keeping with Government's AI strategy, the guidance as well as the learning and development supports being offered by the Institute for Public Administration, will help public servants to pursue those opportunities in a way that is responsible," Mr Chambers said.