Northern Ireland Executive
Northern Ireland Executive
06/12/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/12/2025 03:38
New AI and Digital office will drive innovation and transform services – O’Neill and Little-Pengelly.
New AI and Digital office will drive innovation and transform services - O'Neill and Little-Pengelly.
Date published: 12 June 2025
A new Office of AI and Digital has been created to help transform and reform the delivery of public services here.
(left to right): Professor Helen McCarthy Chief Scientific Technology Adviser (CSTA), First Minister Michelle O'Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Kathryn Harkin, Chair of the AI Collaboration Centre Board and Director of FinTru, and David
The establishment of the office is a key element in Programme for Government to help improve efficiency and effectiveness in the public sector.
Speaking at the launch at the AI Collaboration Centre, a joint initiative between Queen's University and Ulster University, First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "In the ever-evolving world of Artificial Intelligence we need to harness the potential of the technology, particularly when it comes to transforming public services.
"Our lives, society and economy can be reshaped for the better with AI.
"The creation of the Office of AI and Digital will place us at the forefront of AI innovation as part of an economy that works for everyone."
Deputy First Minster Emma Little-Pengelly said: "Northern Ireland has the talent and the potential to be a world leader in responsible AI.
"Our AI and Digital Office will play a transformational role in public sector delivery, ensuring we can deliver a modern service that meets the needs of our citizens.
"We are committed to doing everything we can to foster the digital skills required to meet the demands of the future economy.
"The Office will play a key role as we harness advances in technology to deliver real benefits."
Notes to editors:
- The Programme for Government, agreed on 27 February 2025, includes a commitment to address the significant opportunities in emerging technologies such as AI, and to better leverage the powers of digital and data, by establishing the Office of AI and Digital.
- The new AI and Digital Office will sit alongside the Office of Science and Technology while work is undertaken alongside collaborative partners to formulate an AI Strategy and action plan.
- The Chief Scientific and Technology Adviser, Professor Helen McCarthy, working in partnership with executive departments, industry and academia, is developing a roadmap for AI adoption across government departments.
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