Summary
The Executive Office is seeking views on the draft Northern Ireland Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy. Artificial Intelligence has the potential to transform how we work, deliver services and improve outcomes for people across Northern Ireland. The draft AI Strategy has been developed through collaboration with government, business and academia, ensuring a broad range of perspectives have helped shape its direction.
Documents
- Draft Northern Ireland Artificial Intelligence Strategy
- Consultation Questionnaire
- Equality Screening Report
- Rural Needs Impact Assessment
- Privacy Notice
Consultation description
At the heart of the strategy is a commitment to putting people first. It promotes the responsible and regulated use of AI to support and enhance human skills, strengthen decision-making and deliver public benefit, while upholding the principles of transparency, integrity and inclusion.
The strategy aims to build public confidence in the use of AI across the public sector, while also providing a framework to help organisations realise the opportunities AI presents. Developing the skills and knowledge needed to use AI safely and effectively is a key priority, helping to ensure that AI is used for positive outcomes for everyone.
We want to hear your views. Take part in the consultation and help shape Northern Ireland's approach to AI.
Why we are consulting
Artificial Intelligence presents significant opportunities for Northern Ireland. It has the potential to improve public service delivery, support research and innovation, enhance decision-making, create economic opportunities and increase productivity across multiple sectors. At the same time, its use raises important questions relating to governance, transparency, accountability, fairness, job security, energy usage and public trust.
The Northern Ireland Executive wishes to ensure that the future development and use of AI in the public sector reflects the views of those who live, work, study and do business here. This consultation provides an opportunity for individuals and organisations to help shape the final Strategy and contribute to the development of an approach that is responsible, ethical and inclusive.
About the draft Strategy
The draft Northern Ireland Artificial Intelligence Strategy sets out a vision for the responsible adoption and use of AI across the public sector Northern Ireland. It examines the current AI landscape, identifies opportunities and challenges, and proposes a framework to support future AI adoption and innovation.
The Strategy is structured around a series of themes, including:
- The AI landscape in Northern Ireland;
- AI principles;
- Governance;
- Infrastructure and data;
- Skills and capability development;
- Public sector transformation; and
- Citizens, trust and engagement.
Central to the Strategy are eight principles for responsible AI:
- Human Oversight;
- Accountability and Redress;
- Data Governance;
- Technical Safety and Security;
- Fairness and Transparency;
- Sustainability;
- Societal Benefit; and
- Training and Literacy.
These principles are intended to support the safe, ethical and effective use of AI across Northern Ireland's public sector and provide a foundation for public confidence in AI technologies.
Who we would like to hear from
The Executive Office welcomes responses from:
- Members of the public;
- Businesses and employers;
- Small and medium-sized enterprises;
- Academic and research institutions;
- Trade unions and worker representatives;
- Public sector organisations;
- Local government;
- Community and voluntary organisations;
- Representative bodies; and
- Any other organisations or individuals with an interest in Artificial Intelligence and its future development in Northern Ireland.
How to respond
Responses should be submitted using the online consultation questionnaire.
Consultation responses will be considered as part of the development of the final Northern Ireland Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
Consultation period
The consultation will remain open from 12 August 2026 until 7 October 2026.
Responses received after the closing date will not be considered.
Alternative formats
Consultation documents may be made available in alternative formats on request. If you require documents in an alternative format, please contact the consultation team using the details provided below. Use subject reference “NI AI Strategy Consultation Query”.
Invitation to Provide Evidence
As part of this consultation, we welcome any additional evidence, research or insights that consultees believe may be relevant and which have not already been identified within the accompanying documentation.
In particular, we would welcome evidence relating to current or emerging trends that may affect people with characteristics protected under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 in the development, deployment or use of Artificial Intelligence.
The evidence provided will help strengthen the evidence base underpinning the final Strategy and support informed, evidence-led decision-making on how AI can be developed and used in ways that are fair, inclusive and beneficial to all.