Minister Chambers launches guidelines on the use of AI for better public services

Minister Jack Chambers is today (8 May 2025) launching ‘Guidelines for the Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service’.

Artificial Intelligence is changing how we live, work, and engage with the world around us. Governments worldwide face the challenge of meeting the digital expectations of their end-users while keeping pace with advancements in technology.

These Guidelines compliment and inform strategies regarding the adoption of innovative technology and ways of working already underway in the public service, and seek to set a high standard for public service transformation and innovation, while prioritising public trust and people’s rights.

The Guidelines have been developed to actively empower public servants to use AI in the delivery of services. By firmly placing the human in the process, these guidelines aim to enhance public trust in how Government uses AI.

A range of resources designed to support the adoption of AI have been developed, including clear information on Government’s Principles for Responsible AI, a Decision Framework for evaluating the potential use of AI, a Responsible AI Canvas Tool to be used at planning stage, and the AI Lifecycle Guidance tool.

Other government supports available to public service organisations also include learning and development materials and courses for public servants at no cost. In this regard, and in addition to its existing offering on AI, the Institute for Public Administration will provide a tutorial and in-person training dedicated to the AI Guidelines to further assist participants in applying the guidelines in their own workplaces.

The guidelines contain examples of how AI is already being used across public services, including:

• St. Vincent’s University Hospital exploring the potential for AI to assist with performing heart ultrasound scans, in order to help reduce waiting times for patients
• the Revenue Commissioners using Large Language Models to route taxpayer queries more efficiently, ensuring faster and more accurate responses
• the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine developing an AI-supported solution to detect errors in grant applications and reduce processing times for applications

Minister Jack Chambers said:

“AI offers immense possibilities to improve the provision of public services. 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.

“AI is already transforming our world and it is crucial that we embrace that change and adapt quickly in order to deliver better policy and better public services for the people of Ireland.”

Minister of State for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment, Emer Higgins said:

“AI holds the potential to revolutionise how we deliver services, make decisions, and respond to the needs of our people.
These guidelines will support thoughtful integration of AI into our public systems, enhance efficiency, and reduce administrative burdens and financial cost. Importantly, this will be done with strong ethical and human oversight, ensuring fairness, transparency, accountability, and the protection of rights and personal data at every step.”

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth said:

“Government is committed to leveraging the potential of AI for unlocking productivity, addressing societal challenges, and delivering enhanced services. The guidelines launched today are part of a whole of government approach to putting in place the necessary enablers to underpin responsible and impactful AI adoption across the public service.

They are an important step in meeting government’s objective of better outcomes through AI adoption by the public service, outlined in the National AI Strategy – ‘Here for Good’. The guidelines will be central to creating the framework conditions for successful AI adoption and equipping public servants with the tools they need to use AI.”

The public service transformation strategy, Better Public Services, commits to delivering digitally enabled services and functions, leveraging technology to tackle big societal issues and driving change, and achieving seamless and inclusive user experiences. Government recognises the important role AI will have in achieving these aims and these guidelines are an important step in unlocking the potential of the technology for improving the lives of the people of Ireland.

Read the guidelines