Donegal County Council to monitor artificial intelligence possibilities
While the local authority says it has not yet utilised AI software, it will keep that position under continual review, according to a spokesperson
Donegal County Council has not yet used artificial intelligence (AI) software, but will keep that position under continual review.
It emerged in recent weeks that both the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Transport have used ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot, for a brief period.
Agriculture Minister and Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue said the AI software was trialled in his department for 'answering technical or software related questions', but the technology was subsequently abandoned with officials deeming it to be 'of little benefit'.
Donegal Live asked Donegal County County Council about its own experiences of AI
A spokesperson for the local authority said that it has not yet utilised ChatGPT or any other form of artificial intelligence chatbot software.
The Council has not ruled out the possibility in the future, however.
The spokesperson said: “Donegal County Council continually monitor and review all emerging technologies and if deemed acceptable under regulatory guidance, we will adopt them in the future if they assist in providing increased access to Council services for our citizens.”
Last month, Ciaran Cannon, a Fine Gael TD and former Minister hit out at the 'glaring inconsistencies' between different Government departments and their use of Chat GPT.
“It's apparent that there's a complete inconsistency in regulating and monitoring the use of ChatGPT,” said Mr Cannon, who called for a ban on its use until a proper assessment is carried out.
“Some are awaiting advice from the National Cyber Security Centre and others have already used ChatGPT on a trial basis without any solid expert guidance being in place.”
Among the main concerns on the usage of ChatGPT is the uncertainty over what happens to the data shared with it by users.