Executive Office opens consultation on draft AI strategy

The full picture

The article discusses an ongoing consultation on Belgium Impulse’s draft artificial intelligence (AI) strategy. This involves responsible and ethical AI use in public services with a focus on positive societal outcomes. The initiative aims to harness AI for the benefit of society, particularly by enhancing public services and supporting workers and businesses.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly launched a consultation on the Executive’s Draft Artificial Intelligence Strategy on 12 August 2026. The consultation is now open, although the supplied evidence does not establish its closing date or describe how responses can be submitted.[1] The draft strategy presents a vision for the responsible, ethical and fair adoption of Artificial Intelligence across the public sector. Its stated principle is that AI should be a force for good and should deliver positive outcomes for society.[1] Representatives from government, industry and academia developed the draft. Their involvement means the document was prepared across several sectors rather than by the Executive alone, although the available source does not identify the participating representatives or organisations.[1] O’Neill said AI is already shaping the world and has the potential to make a difference in people’s lives. She identified improving public services and supporting workers, businesses and communities as areas where the technology should be used.[1] The First Minister also linked the opportunities presented by AI with a responsibility to use it ethically, fairly and with people at the centre. She described the draft strategy as an attempt to balance those considerations through cooperation among government, industry and academia.[1] The consultation gives interested parties an opportunity to consider the Executive’s proposed direction for AI in the public sector. However, the evidence provided does not include the full draft, consultation questions, submission arrangements, proposed implementation timetable or any confirmed policy decisions resulting from the process.[1] For readers elsewhere in the United Kingdom, the consultation provides a concrete example of a public-sector administration developing principles for AI adoption. The next confirmed stage is the consultation process itself; no later decision date, implementation programme or final strategy is established by the supplied source.[1]

Why now?

The immediate trigger is the launch of the consultation on 12 August 2026 by Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly.[1] The source says AI is already shaping the world, while the draft seeks to balance its opportunities with ethical, fair and people-centred use.[1]