MS, First Minister: I
attended the 43rd meeting of the British-Irish Council
on 12 and 13 June, which was hosted by the Northern Ireland
Executive in Newcastle, County Down. The theme of this
summit was ‘The Role of AI in Reform and Transformation'. The
meeting was co-chaired by First Minister MLA and deputy First
Minister MLA. A joint
Communiqué was issued after the meeting, which is
available here: British-Irish Council
Summit meets in Newcastle, County Down | The British Irish
Council.
The Council reflected upon the strategies adopted by each of the
British-Irish Council's Member Administrations for utilising
artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to drive public sector
reform and enhance the delivery of public services across these
islands. The discussion explored both the potential advantages
and challenges associated with the broader integration of AI in
public administration.
I outlined the Welsh Government's progress in adopting and
integrating AI across public services. This includes the use of
AI technology by our Data Science. I also highlighted the
positive impact of AI in our health service, particularly in
diagnostics, where AI and automation have contributed to a 13%
increase in the detection of prostate cancer.
I emphasised the ethical responsibilities that governments across
these islands share in deploying AI, including the need to uphold
fair work standards and protect jobs in the face of increasing
automation. I reaffirmed that the Welsh Government's approach to
AI is firmly grounded in our commitment to Social Partnership,
ensuring that technological progress supports the well-being of
workers and communities. In this context, I highlighted the
guidance developed by Wales' Workforce Partnership Council on the
ethical and responsible use of AI across public sector
workplaces.
This statement is being issued during recess to keep Members
informed. Should Members wish me to make a further statement or
to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be
happy to do so.
