Irish government publishes new AI guidelines for public sector workers

The guidelines (84-page / 5.04MB PDF), published by the Irish government, are designed to provide public sector workers and government officials with practical information and resources to assist them in using AI responsibly in the design, development and delivery of public services. 

The guidance follows an earlier commitment made by the government in 2024 to ensure that AI tools used in public service comply with seven principles: human agency and oversight; technical robustness and safety; privacy and data governance; transparency; diversity, non-discrimination and fairness; societal and environmental well-being; and accountability. The government said these seven commitments informed the overarching principles contained within the guidelines. 

The guidance outlines illustrative cases and recommendations on the types of tasks that AI could be used to reap efficiencies across the public sector. 

However, it also warns against significant risks associated with using AI, including advising against the use of free GenAI tools such as ChatGPT, said Maureen Daly, IP expert of Pinsent Masons. “While such tools are very accessible, they attract large risks, namely, they lack suitable management and any data inputted into such tools could potentially be used to train the model which is a serious concern to the public sector,” she said. 

The guidelines also state that AI systems must have robust policies to protect personal data and underline the need for public servants to be transparent and upfront with end-users when AI systems are being used. 

Following earlier guidance published by the European Commission's High-Level Expert Group on AI, the Irish government has developed its own guidelines to ensure the public sector designs AI systems that avoid unfair bias and are fair, inclusive, accessible and trustworthy.

The government said the guidelines also complement the sector’s existing governance strategies and ways of working with regards to adopting innovative technology. 

Daly said the guidelines provide the sector with a framework that will enhance public trust in how the government and wider public sector use AI. “The guidelines seek to strike a balance between innovation and responsibility, by ensuring that AI enhances the public sector without compromising the public trust as well as people's rights,” said Daly.