38348 (2024). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Regulation

38348 (2024). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Regulation: How, if at all, are the Minister's departments, if any, currently using AI, and what plans, if any, have been developed to manage the risks associated with AI?

Hon David Seymour: Officials advise that the Ministry for Regulation is not currently using AI. However, the Ministry for Regulation has begun to explore how generative AI could be used safely and ethically in its work through a dedicated workstream. Use cases are currently being identified and a handful will be selected to trial. While there are risks associated with AI, there are also significant benefits. To ensure risks are managed appropriately, this workstream will consider and address an AI Governance Framework, ethical guidelines for staff, a risk assessment and mitigation plan, data governance policy, stakeholder engagement plan and a training and awareness programme. The Ministry has included the Government Chief Digital Office in this initiative and it is following the guidelines provided to agencies.