Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail any training that has been provided to staff in his Department on the use of Artificial Intelligence, including its limitations and risks, since February 2024.
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs: My Department has provided the following training to support staff in the use of Artificial Intelligence since February 2024:
My Department’s Digital Services Division led ‘AI Awareness Roadshows’, hosting both in-person and online training sessions to support the roll-out of AI productivity tools. These sessions were attended by approximately 500 staff and served as a platform to demonstrate AI capability, provide practical guidance and hands-on training, and to facilitate discussion on risks, limitations and best practise.
My Department has established an AI Champion’s network, involving over 30 staff across the organisation to act as local advocates within their business areas, helping colleagues understand how to use AI effectively, responsibly and in line with Departmental policy.
My Department has delivered prompt training, and hosted ‘office hours’ sessions to share AI knowledge, and to support ongoing adoption and improvement.
Almost all of my Department’s IT developers have been trained in the use of GitHub Copilot to help write code.
Since the start of the year my department has conducted several ideation and awareness workshops, helping to identify suitable, high-value AI use cases for potential future development.
My Department has also established an AI Intranet Hub to provide ready access to guidance, with sections on how to use AI safely and effectively, including short training videos, guidance on policies and compliance, and FAQs.
ENDS
Your MLA 