The Government launched its ‘Guidelines for the Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service’ yesterday (Thursday). 

Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers said the guidelines “compliment and inform strategies regarding the adoption of innovative technology and ways of working already underway in the public service” and seeks to set “a high standard for public service transformation and innovation, while prioritising public trust and people’s rights.”

The minister added that the guidelines have been developed “to actively empower public servants to use AI in the delivery of services, and that by firmly placing the human in the process “these guidelines aim to enhance public trust in how Government uses AI.”

Responding to the launch of the new guidelines, Fórsa national secretary Catherine Keogh agreed that AI offers potential to improve the provision of public services, and welcomed the emphasis on prioritising public trust and people’s rights: “Responsible AI management should absolutely prioritise public safety and trust.

"As the main public service union, Fórsa is also aware that there will be significant challenges to address when new, very powerful - and experimental - technology is integrated into our public services.

"We need to consider the experience of service users, for whom engagement with public services comes with a reasonable expectation of being able to talk to a real person.

"These challenges were raised in motions brought to our conference last year, reflecting members concerns. This includes AI’s difficulties with bias and discrimination, its potential use in worker surveillance and the continuing challenge of data privacy, and the importance of the ethical use of AI.

"Equally, it raises the question of who gets to share in the benefits of AI? As AI develops it will put various types of jobs at risk, including a variety of skilled jobs. As that happens, there needs to be a real worker dividend. For example, this opens up opportunities to talk about trialling a four-day week," she said.

Read the guidelines here.

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