AI - here for good: Making it real
Delivering AI in the Irish public sector
A practical guide to turning ideas into impact, securely and at scale.
AI in Irish Government: The opportunity
AI holds great promise for the delivery of better public services, and there is a strong ambition across the Irish public service to harness trustworthy AI for this purpose, as part of the digital transformation outlined in the Better Public Services strategy and the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service.
Public sector organisations are already using AI to cut admin, improve decision making, and unlock capacity. But whilst pilots show promise, many still struggle to scale, a problem because AI isn’t a fringe experiment anymore. It’s now official government strategy, with clear expectations for departments to adopt, embed, and deliver AI at pace.
Ireland’s National AI Strategy: AI – Here for Good
Ireland has positioned itself as an international leader in using AI to benefit business, public services, and people through a person-centred, ethical approach. The National AI Strategy, refreshed in October 2024, emphasises trustworthy AI development whilst seizing economic and societal benefits. The Government launched the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service in May 2025, actively empowering public servants to use AI in the delivery of enhanced policy and services. By firmly placing the human in the process, these guidelines aim to enhance public trust in how Government uses AI.
AI can help public sector teams:
Improve the speed, quality and consistency of service delivery across departments and agencies
Reduce time spent on repetitive administrative tasks, freeing civil and public servants to focus on higher-value work
Strengthen compliance, accuracy, and auditability in line with Government’s Principles for Responsible AI
Increase capacity across frontline and operational teams to deliver Better Public Services
Enhance accessibility and user experience across citizen-facing services
What’s holding teams back?
Even with Ireland’s clear strategic framework, many departments and agencies face common barriers to delivery:
Siloed or poor-quality data across disparate systems
Unclear or weak business cases that don’t align with Better Public Services objectives
Cultural resistance and skills gaps amongst public servants
Limited senior sponsorship at executive level
Ethical, compliance and governance concerns around EU AI Act implementation
Limited public cloud adoption – Most government departments have a limited public cloud footprint to date, with few critical workloads yet trusted to public cloud environments. Leveraging AI services requires maturity in cloud service consumption, robust integration capabilities, and effective governance processes
Data sovereignty and geopolitical concerns – Increasing unease across European CIOs regarding dependence on US-headquartered technology providers, particularly concerning AI services with ethical, data protection and regulatory oversight regimes that differ from European interests
The challenges of moving from pilot to production aren’t just technical—they’re operational and cultural, too.
? The critical question: How do we proceed to gain the benefits of AI whilst managing these risks responsibly?
The Government the direction
Ireland has established comprehensive frameworks to guide AI adoption:
Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service (2025)
The Guidelines provide public servants with four core tools:
Decision Framework – to assess whether AI is the right solution for a specific need
Responsible AI Canvas – to help design projects that align with ethical principles
AI Lifecycle Guidance – detailed guidance for each phase of AI development and deployment
Use-Case Examples – real-world applications in government operations, policymaking, service delivery, and oversight
has set
Seven principles for responsible AI
All AI applications used by the Irish Public Service must comply with these seven principles (developed by the European Commission’s High Level Expert Group on AI):
ACCOUNTABILITY
SOCIETAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WELLBEING
HUMAN AGENCY AND OVERSIGHT
DIVERSITY, NONDISCRIMINATION AND FAIRNESS
TECHNICAL ROBUSTNESS AND SAFETY
PRIVACY AND DATA GOVERNANCE
TRANSPARENCY
Ireland’s national AI strategy: Four strategic strands
AI AND SOCIETY
Building public trust through the AI Advisory Council
GOVERNANCE FOR TRUSTWORTHY AI
Leading EU AI Act implementation
AI FOR ECONOMIC SUCCESS
Supporting business adoption through CeADAR
AI SERVING THE PUBLIC
Creating framework conditions for public service AI
Cloud-first strategy
Ireland’s cloud-first approach, established through the Cloud Computing Advice
Note and Cloud Services Procurement
Guidance Note 2025, cloud computing supports AI and other advanced technologies as foundational enablers for digital transformation.
Where are you on your AI journey?
00
“We’ve not started—we don’t know how to begin”
You recognise the potential of AI but aren’t sure where to start. Your organisation may lack clarity on use cases, internal capability, or how to approach AI responsibly within the Irish public service context. This is a critical first step—and you’re not alone.
Critical considerations
Begin with the Decision Framework from the Guidelines to assess whether AI is appropriate for your needs
Identify a senior sponsor to champion AI adoption at executive level
Review the use-case examples in the Guidelines to understand what’s possible
Consider starting with low-risk applications (e.g., document handling, information retrieval)
Connect with other public service bodies to learn from their experiences
Assess your organisation’s cloud maturity as a foundational enabler
Engage with CeADAR’s European Digital Innovation Hub for exploratory support
–
“We’ve experimented— now we need to scale”
You’ve completed pilots and proven the technology works. Now it’s time to scale and operationalise. At this stage, the focus shifts from proving concepts to robust, sustainable delivery. It’s about standardising infrastructure, embedding consistent data governance in line with the Guidelines, and rolling out adoption plans that secure real buy-in from users across the civil and public service.
Critical considerations:
Clearly document outcomes against Better Public Services objectives
Secure senior sponsorship at Secretary General or equivalent level
Use the Responsible AI Canvas to ensure alignment with the Seven Principles
Follow the AI Lifecycle Guidance through deployment and monitoring phases
Build scalable infrastructure aligned with trustworthy AI principles
Ensure GDPR compliance and data governance throughout
Engage with the AI Advisory Council for independent expert guidance
“We’ve proven value, but we’re stuck operationalising it”
Your pilots showed clear promise, but integration into day-to-day operations is proving challenging. Here the blockers typically aren’t about the technology itself, they’re about cultural resistance, data integration hurdles, or gaps in skills and processes needed for sustainable operational delivery.
Critical considerations:
Involve operational teams early to identify barriers
Proactively plan for change management with the Institute of Public Administration
Leverage AI upskilling programmes (AI Masterclass, AI Essentials)
Create safe experimental spaces for public servants as per strategic actions
Access supports through CeADAR’s European Digital Innovation Hub
Ensure meaningful human oversight is embedded in processes
Where are you on your AI journey?
03
“We have multiple solutions running, but they’re fragmented”
You have several AI solutions deployed, but they aren’t yet joined up or delivering coherent departmental impact. Fragmented solutions often duplicate efforts, waste resources, and create confusion. Now’s the time to step back, consolidate, standardise your approach, and embed unified governance and oversight aligned with the Guidelines.
Critical considerations:
Unify governance under the Seven Principles framework
Adopt interoperable standards in line with NSAI roadmap
Design modular infrastructure to support cohesive delivery
Share learnings across public service bodies as per strategic actions
Use the Responsible AI Canvas consistently across all projects
Ensure consistent application of AI Lifecycle Guidance
Conduct DPIAs (Data Protection Impact Assessments) for all systems
04
“We’re delivering, but need to demonstrate impact clearly”
Your AI projects are operational, but now you face pressure to clearly demonstrate value to senior stakeholders, Ministers, and citizens. At this advanced stage, measurement, transparency, and ongoing refinement become crucial. Effective monitoring and evaluation are no longer optional— they’re critical.
Critical considerations:
Implement clear performance frameworks linked to Better Public Services
Consistently measure, refine, and communicate outcomes
Demonstrate compliance with trustworthy AI principles
Share best practice through public service networks
Contribute to national AI adoption evidence base
If none of these sound like you, try mapping your work against the question:
"What problem are we trying to solve… and why now?"
The answer is often a better compass than any strategy document.
The path to production
Getting AI from pilot to everyday use isn’t about having the shiniest technology stack. It’s about solving real problems for real people and doing it in a way that sticks. The difference between projects that scale and those that gather dust often comes down to a few fundamentals that have nothing to do with algorithms.
Six practical steps for public sector AI delivery
01
ALIGN WITH GUIDELINES AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORKS
Ensure your AI initiatives comply with the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service:
Apply the Seven Principles for Responsible AI throughout your project
Use the Decision Framework to evaluate whether AI is the right solution
Complete the Responsible AI Canvas at planning stage to ensure ethical alignment
Follow the AI Lifecycle Governance guidance through all phases:
Problem definition and scoping
Data preparation and model development
Testing and validation
Deployment and monitoring
Ongoing review and improvement
Ensure alignment with the four strands of Ireland’s National AI Strategy
Support Better Public Services transformation objectives
02 –
ESTABLISH STRONG GOVERNANCE FROM DAY ONE
Build governance structures based on the Guidelines’ framework
Ensure meaningful human oversight at all decision points
Engage with the AI Advisory Council for independent expertise
Follow NSAI roadmap for AI standards and assurance
Build compliance-by-design frameworks that integrate with legacy systems
Conduct DPIAs for all AI systems processing personal data
Ensure transparency and explainable decision-making
Establish clear accountability lines
03
BUILD CLOUD FOUNDATIONS AS ENABLERS
Recognise that cloud computing is fundamental to AI adoption:
Develop or update your organisation’s cloud strategy in line with the Cloud Computing Advice Note and Cloud Services Procurement Guidance Note 2025
Take a cloud-first approach as recommended by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO)
Assess whether workloads are suitable for public cloud, hybrid, or governmentmanaged private cloud
Build cloud maturity and governance capabilities before scaling AI initiatives
Ensure robust integration capabilities to cloud services
Consider the 90% online service delivery target by 2030 outlined in Harnessing Digital: Digital Ireland Framework
Leverage cloud infrastructure for the compute power required for AI, particularly for advanced capabilities like machine learning and generative AI
Six practical steps for public sector AI delivery
04
05
MAP GEOPOLITICAL AND TECHNOLOGY RISKS
Address data sovereignty and strategic technology dependencies:
Actively map geopolitical risks associated with AI and cloud technologies
Consider data residency requirements and GDPR compliance when selecting services
Assess dependencies on USheadquartered AI providers against European data protection and ethical frameworks
Evaluate hybrid and sovereign cloud options for sensitive workloads
Use risk mapping to inform choices of workloads, deployment paths, and technologies
Prioritise solutions that maintain regulatory compliance whilst enabling innovation
Consider building strategic relationships with European AI and cloud providers
Balance innovation benefits against sovereignty and ethical governance concerns
BUILD ON PROVEN IRISH CAPABILITIES
Access support through CeADAR’s European Digital Innovation Hub
Leverage Research Ireland centres (ADAPT, Insight, Connect, Lero)
Engage with the Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum
Learn from existing public service AI projects like RevAssist
Utilise Research Ireland Public Service Fellowship programme
DELIVER WITH SERVICE DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Adopt user-centred design approaches proven in Irish context
Involve operational teams early in development
Ensure accessibility and user experience enhancement
Build for integration with both modern and legacy systems
Demonstrate measurable efficiency gains and citizen outcome improvements
Key public sector considerations
Guidelines for the responsible use of AI in the public service (2025)
Published in May 2025 by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, these Guidelines actively empower public servants to use AI in delivery of services whilst maintaining public trust. They include:
Clear information on Government’s Seven Principles for Responsible AI
A Decision Framework for evaluating potential use of AI
A Responsible AI Canvas Tool for use at planning stage
AI Lifecycle Guidance covering all phases of development and deployment
Cloud computing as a foundational enabler
Regulatory and strategic documents
Cloud Computing Advice Note (2019, updated 2025) – Published by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), providing high-level guidance on cloud adoption decisions
Cloud Services Procurement Guidance
Note 2025 – Published by the Office of Government Procurement, providing procurement guidance including sample contracts and commercial checklists
Cloud-First Strategy – Ireland’s progressive approach recognising cloud as essential infrastructure supporting AI and advanced technologies
Harnessing Digital: Digital Ireland
Framework – National digital strategy setting the goal of 90% of applicable public services delivered online by 2030
Connecting Government 2030 – Public sector ICT strategy emphasising cloud-first approach to service delivery
Government recognises the important role of cloud computing, particularly as it supports AI and other advanced and emerging technologies. However, public sector organisations must balance innovation with data sovereignty, GDPR compliance, and geopolitical risk considerations.
Ireland’s National AI Strategy “AI – Here for Good” (2024 Refresh) – Sets out Ireland’s vision and four strategic strands
Better Public Services (2023) – Public Service transformation strategy committing to digitally enabled services
EU Artificial Intelligence Act (2024) – Riskbased regulation for trustworthy, humancentred AI across the EU
GDPR – Data protection requirements for all AI systems processing personal data
Interim Guidelines on Trustworthy AI in the Public Service (2024) – Foundational guidance preceding full Guidelines
NSAI Roadmap for AI Standards and Assurance – National standards development pathway
Public Service Data Strategy 2019-2023 – Creating a coherent data ecosystem for improved service delivery
Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019 – Legal basis for data sharing between public service organisations
Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026 (General Scheme) - Establishes AI Office of Ireland and distributed enforcement model for EU AI Act with penalties up to 7% of worldwide turnover
Support ecosystem
AI Advisory Council – Independent expert advice chaired by Dr Patricia Scanlon
CeADAR – Ireland’s Centre for Applied AI and European Digital Innovation Hub
Research Ireland Centres – World-class AI research through ADAPT, Insight, Connect and Lero
Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum – Structured dialogue between government and industry
Institute of Public Administration – Skills development, training, and change management
Version 1: Ireland’s leading AI partner for public sector transformation
Version 1 has been supporting Irish public sector organisations for over 25 years, delivering mission-critical digital transformation across departments and agencies. Our public sector AI practice combines deep technical expertise with an understanding of Irish government frameworks, helping you navigate from pilot to production whilst ensuring compliance with Ireland’s Guidelines for Responsible AI. We’ve supported organisations in building AI capability, establishing governance frameworks, and delivering tangible outcomes.
Our approach is different: we don’t just advise, we deliver alongside you, building your internal capability whilst ensuring sustainable, ethical AI adoption.
Let’s move from intent to impact
The opportunity to transform public services through AI is here. With Ireland’s strong strategic framework, ethical foundations, and support ecosystem in place, now is the time to move from experimentation to sustainable delivery at scale. Talk to us about your AI plans and how we can support AI adoption aligned with Ireland’s National AI Strategy.
Our AI Co-Creation Studio brings together your team and our AI experts for a structured, collaborative session designed to:
Identify high-value AI use cases specific to your department
Assess alignment with Guidelines for Responsible AI
Map your current capabilities and identify gaps
Create a practical roadmap from ideas to implementation
This complimentary half-day workshop is designed for public sector organisations at any stage of their AI journey, from initial exploration to scaling existing initiatives.
Let’s discuss how Version 1 can support your organisation’s AI journey.
Contact:
Ronan Laffan Principal Consultant Ronan.laffan@version1.com
This guide aligns with the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service (2025), Ireland’s National AI Strategy “AI –Here for Good” (2024 Refresh), Cloud Computing Advice Note, Cloud Services Procurement Guidance Note 2025, the Better Public Services transformation strategy, and EU AI Act requirements.
