Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education to detail any steps he is taking to ensure that students in post-primary education receive guidance on using artificial intelligence tools safely and responsibly.
Minister of Education: Guidance on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) was issued to education professionals through DE Circular 2026/02 on 11 May 2026. The guidance promotes the safe, responsible and ethical use of AI in education and is underpinned by four key principles: supporting pupil learning whilst being digitally safe; transforming teaching, learning and assessment; promoting inclusive design for digital learning; and advancing professional development, promoting efficiency, effectiveness and ethically sound practice.
The guidance highlights the importance of appropriate safeguards, human oversight and supporting pupils to engage critically with AI-generated content. Schools are encouraged to consider how best to teach pupils the knowledge and skills required to use AI safely and responsibly and to reflect the use of Generative AI within relevant policies and procedures. In addition, the Department also recognises the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to use AI safely and responsibly.
Further, as part of the curriculum reform programme, my department is currently consulting on a new draft curriculum including a new Digital Technology framework. This draft framework includes learning about artificial intelligence and digital ethics and responsibility, helping pupils to understand how AI tools generate outputs, how AI models identify patterns in data to generate content, critically evaluate AI-generated material, understand the benefits, limitations and risks of AI, recognise issues such as misinformation, bias and attempts to influence beliefs and behaviour, and use digital technologies safely, responsibly and ethically.
ENDS
