Minister Dara Calleary Visits CIB Stand for Demonstration of AskCI

The Citizens Information Board (CIB) was delighted to welcome Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, to the CIB stand yesterday for a demonstration of AskCI, Ireland's first publicly available government Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot.

AskCI was developed by CIB to help people quickly access accurate and reliable information about public services, rights and entitlements. The chatbot draws exclusively on verified content from citizensinformation.ie, ensuring that users receive information from a trusted information source.

AskCI was created in response to significant changes in how people search for information online. Designed to complement existing Citizens Information services and channels, it provides users with conversational, plain language answers to their questions while maintaining the high standards of accuracy and reliability associated with Citizens Information.

Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, AskCI helps people find the information they need at a time and in a format that suits them. By combining trusted content with innovative technology, AskCI represents an important step in making public information more accessible and easier to navigate. During his visit, Minister Calleary received a demonstration of the chatbot and learned more about how it is helping members of the public access information on a wide range of topics, including social welfare supports, employment rights, health services, housing and education.

CIB was pleased to showcase AskCI and discuss the role that innovative digital tools can play in improving access to public information and services for people across Ireland.

Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, said: "It was a pleasure to visit the Citizens Information Board stand and see first-hand how AskCI is helping to make trusted public information more accessible. By combining the reliability of citizensinformation.ie with innovative AI technology, AskCI provides people with a simple and convenient way to find information on their rights, entitlements and public services at any time of the day. This is an excellent example of how digital innovation can enhance public services and improve the customer experience."

(L-R) Michael Laffey (MABS), Graham Long (CIB), Dara Calleary TD (Minister for Social Protection) and Emma Thornton (MABS) at the National Ploughing Championships

(L-R) Cathy Gerrard (CIB) and Dara Calleary TD (Minister for Social Protection)

(L-R) Cathy Gerrard (CIB) and Dara Calleary TD (Minister for Social Protection) showcasing AskCI at the National Ploughing Championships