AI chatbot may be used to help access Government websites

A briefing document provided to the newly appointed Minister for Enterprise, Peter Burke, says his department has begun work on a pilot project to introduce a chatbot for the primary Government website. Picture: Damien Storan.

The Government is examining the introduction of an AI chatbot to help the public access services on official websites.

A briefing document provided to the newly appointed Minister for Enterprise, Peter Burke, says his department has begun work on a pilot project to introduce a chatbot for the primary Government website.

The project, which began in January, aims to deliver a “chat agent” that would supply information to the public on business supports that are being provided by the Government.

Initial funding for the pilot project has been provided by international tech giant Microsoft, and it is set to be delivered in collaboration with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer.

According to the briefing note, the chatbot will work to trial the use of Generative AI to help provide information to the general public.

It is currently envisaged that the AI chatbot will be hosted on the Gov.ie website, which acts as the hub for all Government Departments.

However, the briefing note notes that the initial pilot is unlikely to be deployed to the public, with it instead focused on testing the use of AI.

“It is not envisaged that the initial pilot will be fully ready for public-facing deployment but will focus on testing the suitability of AI driven technology as a channel for Government to deploy in the provision of information around services to the public,” the note reads.

The proposals come as the Department of Enterprise continues to work on a refresh of the existing National AI Strategy.

A new AI Advisory Council has been established, which the department says will provide a “sounding board” for the Government. In particular, this council is expected to examine issues including the role of AI in “the future of work in Ireland”.

Earlier this year, the Government also agreed a framework on the use of AI by the public sector, following the agreement of a new European AI Act by the European Parliament and European Parliament.

The Government has told departments that all AI tools used by civil servants should comply with seven requirements which have been developed by the European Commission’s High-Level Expert Group on AI.

These are: Human agency and oversight; Technical robustness and safety; Privacy and data governance; Transparency; Diversity, non-discrimination and fairness; Societal and environmental well-being; Accountability.

An interim set of guidelines that oversee the use of AI by the public service have also been developed.

“This document sets out interim guidelines and issues for consideration for public service organisations when considering the use of AI tools. It outlines Government’s commitment to the ethical use [of] AI.

"It also encourages risk assessments be carried out and outlines the safeguards and considerations that are relevant when exploring the use of AI tools,” a statement on the guidelines reads.