AQW 42968/22-27 Written question to the First Minister and deputy First Minister

To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on (i) the work; (ii) the priorities; and (iii) any projects underway, within the Office of AI and Digital, since its establishment in June 2025.

Asked by Paula Bradshaw MLA on 23 March 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
  • After due date
Tabled
23 March 2026
Answer due by
9 April 2026
Answered
27 April 202635 days after tabling
Department
The Executive Office
Priority question
No

Answer

Since its establishment, the Office of AI and Digital has led the development of a draft Artificial Intelligence Strategy to guide the responsible, ethical and transparent adoption of AI across the public sector. The Office has coordinated structured input from all nine government departments, alongside engagement with industry and academia to ensure the proposed approach reflects operational need, technical standards and public trust considerations.

The priority is to progress the draft Strategy through a public consultation, enabling citizens and stakeholders to inform and shape the future direction of AI use in public services.

Work is ongoing across all departments to support early implementation planning, including aligning AI policy with wider digital transformation, data governance and workforce capability initiatives.

Official sources