Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any training that has been provided to staff in her Department on the use of Artificial Intelligence, including its limitations and risks, since February 2024.
Minister for the Economy: Since July 2025, all staff in my Department have had access to Microsoft Copilot, which is approved for use in the NICS. Any additional AI usage is subject to strict data protection and IT security protocols being met. Managing risk is, therefore, central to our approach.
All staff had to complete mandatory online AI: Cyber Security Awareness training. Further training for staff has been provided as part of a managed rollout by a mixture of online and in-person events, interactive Teams channels, ad-hoc requests for advice from work areas and a dedicated intranet section for Copilot which provides guidance and support.
The major training events that have been organised are presented below:
| Training event | Date |
| Mandatory Metacompliance AI: Cyber Security Awareness | March 2025 |
| Copilot prompt masterclass | June 2025 |
| Weekly community of practice meetings for Copilot trial participants | June to August 2025 |
| “Getting started with Copilot” online sessions | September to December 2025 |
| Copilot Prompt-a-thon | March 2026 |
| Ai enablement online sessions | March 2026 |
| Copilot masterclass | June 2026 |
Governance is provided by an interim AI Policy which applies the government Playbook for Artificial Intelligence in the public sector. This outlines 10 principles for using AI ethically and securely and covers limitations and risks.
ENDS
Your MLA 