Under this policy, AI tools are regarded as assistive technologies only. They may support staff in research, drafting, summarisation and similar administrative tasks, but they do not replace professional judgement, accountability or decision-making by Council staff. The policy requires that all AI-generated or AI-assisted content be reviewed, validated and approved by an appropriate staff member before it is issued externally. Responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, appropriateness and legality of any correspondence remains with the Council officer concerned.

The policy specifically addresses communications with elected members and external stakeholders. Where AI is used to assist in preparing responses to councillors, TDs, members of the public or other external bodies, staff must ensure that the final response is accurate, clear, relevant, complete and consistent with approved Council policy positions. Any content that does not meet these standards cannot be issued.

The Council permits the use of approved enterprise AI tools only, currently including Microsoft Copilot where authorised. Access is granted on a managed basis, subject to managerial approval, role requirements, staff training and ongoing review. The use of public or consumer-grade AI services is prohibited.

The Council also operates governance, security and data protection controls around the use of AI. All use of AI must comply with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Data Protection Acts and the Council’s wider information security requirements. The Council continues to monitor and review its AI governance arrangements to ensure that AI is used responsibly, securely and transparently.

Accordingly, the Council is satisfied that, where staff are appropriately trained, authorised and operating within the Council’s approved AI governance framework, generative AI may be used as a drafting and support tool in the preparation of responses to councillors and TDs. However, the content of any such response remains subject to full human oversight, professional review and Council accountability prior to issue.