The 84-page document has been developed to “actively empower public servants to use AI in the delivery of services”, the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform said.

It sets out resources and government supports for public service organisations, as well as examples of how AI is already being used across public services.

The Revenue Commissioners are already using large language models (LLMs) to route taxpayer queries more efficiently, ensuring faster and more accurate responses, it says.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is developing an AI-supported solution to detect errors in grant applications and reduce processing times for applications.

St Vincent’s University Hospital has also been exploring the potential for AI to assist with performing heart ultrasound scans, in order to help reduce waiting times for patients.

Finance minister Jack Chambers said: “AI offers immense possibilities to improve the provision of public services. These guidelines support public service bodies in undertaking responsible innovation in a way that is practical, helpful and easy to follow.

“In keeping with government’s AI strategy, the guidance as well as the learning and development supports being offered by the Institute for Public Administration, will help public servants to pursue those opportunities in a way that is responsible.

“AI is already transforming our world and it is crucial that we embrace that change and adapt quickly in order to deliver better policy and better public services for the people of Ireland.”

Emer Higgins, minister of state for public procurement, digitalisation and eGovernment, said: “AI holds the potential to revolutionise how we deliver services, make decisions, and respond to the needs of our people.

“These guidelines will support thoughtful integration of AI into our public systems, enhance efficiency, and reduce administrative burdens and financial cost.

“Importantly, this will be done with strong ethical and human oversight, ensuring fairness, transparency, accountability, and the protection of rights and personal data at every step.”

Niamh Smyth, minister of state for trade promotion, AI and digital transformation, added: “Government is committed to leveraging the potential of AI for unlocking productivity, addressing societal challenges, and delivering enhanced services.

“The guidelines launched today are part of a whole-of-government approach to putting in place the necessary enablers to underpin responsible and impactful AI adoption across the public service.

“They are an important step in meeting government’s objective of better outcomes through AI adoption by the public service, outlined in the National AI Strategy – ‘Here for Good’.

“The guidelines will be central to creating the framework conditions for successful AI adoption and equipping public servants with the tools they need to use AI.”