Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether their Department has a designated lead or responsible officer for their Department’s use of Artificial Intelligence.
First Minister and deputy First Minister: The Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) adopted a “Use of Generative AI Policy” in June 2024. Under this policy, The Executive Office’s (TEO’s) Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) is responsible for approving all use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the Department.
The SIRO is supported in this role by the Department’s Data Protection Officer, IT Security Officer, and a senior official from the relevant business area making the request.
The use of AI is managed through established governance and oversight arrangements. This includes adherence to data protection, security and ethical standards, and alignment with centrally agreed approaches across the NICS.
While the SIRO has responsibility for the use of generative AI, the TEO Digital Systems Unit is leading on its adoption and working with other NICS Departments to support value, consistency and knowledge sharing.
ENDS
Your MLA 