Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Communities whether his Department has made any assessment of the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence tools on the social security and welfare system.
Minister for Communities: Whilst no formal assessment has been conducted by my Department to date, I recognise that advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have the potential to improve aspects of public service delivery, including administrative processes within the social security and welfare systems. Potential benefits may include greater efficiency, improved customer service and better support for decision-making.
However, any use of AI must be carefully assessed to ensure that decisions affecting benefit entitlement remain fair, transparent, accountable, and compliant with legislative requirements. Particular consideration must be given to the need for appropriate human oversight.
My Department will continue to monitor developments in AI, including its use in other jurisdictions with the social security and welfare system responsibilities, and will consider potential applications where they have the potential to improve services while protecting the rights and interests of claimants.
ENDS
Your MLA 