Debate contribution: Artificial Intelligence Strategy
Debate contribution by Mrs Emma Little-Pengelly on .
- MLA
- Mrs Emma Little-Pengelly
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 7 September 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Artificial Intelligence Strategy
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5669775
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Over the past number of months, I have had the opportunity to visit a number of factories, particularly in the engineering and manufacturing space. The support that new technologies are able to give to those companies is incredible not just in terms of efficiency but, of course, in making them sustainable for the future. There is no doubt that that produces some challenges. It means that some of the jobs that have been in place will not be the jobs of the future, but here is the reality: AI is happening right now. AI is developing at an extraordinary pace. We cannot simply wish that away. There is an opportunity for us in the public sector. I know that people can be deeply frustrated by the pace of delivery in Departments, agencies and arm's-length bodies. People want to see quicker, more efficient delivery. AI and digitisation can help with that in the right context, so there have to be those conversations. I welcome the fact that the unions were engaged during the consultation process. I have heard the calls for more of that to happen. As well as that, the officials tasked with bringing the consultation forward have assured us that they will continue to have those conversations. It is not about replacing jobs; it is about evolving beyond and making sure that the contribution of everyone can be maximised, working hand in hand with the developments.
237 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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