To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) any plans their office has to develop the digital and artificial intelligence skills base within the Civil Service to support public service reform; and (ii) any measurable targets, timelines and indicators that have been set to assess progress.

Developing digital and artificial intelligence capability across departments is a key commitment throughout our Programme for Government and is being taken forward as part of a wider, coordinated approach to workforce development.

The Office of AI and Digital is exploring opportunities to collaborate with Digital Workplace Enablement Team (Department of Finance) digital and AI initiatives, such as promoting awareness through overviews / demos, Community Channels and drop-in clinics across the NICS. The Digital Workplace Enablement Team also provides digital and AI support and guidance. The combined approach contributes positively to improving digital confidence and capability across the workforce.

Current activity is focused on establishing a baseline understanding of skills and capability across the Civil Service, supporting the development of targeted learning pathways, and promoting shared learning through cross‑departmental networks and communities of practice.

This approach recognises the need to build capability progressively, alongside the safe and responsible introduction of AI into public service delivery.

As the AI Strategy moves through public consultation and towards implementation, this work will inform the development of clearer delivery plans, including priorities, sequencing, and appropriate indicators to support sustained capability‑building over time.