To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the rationale behind her Department publishing the AI Strategic Direction document, in advance of the publication of the forthcoming Executive's Artificial Intelligence Strategy.

The Executive’s AI Strategy is being developed by Professor Helen McCarthy, Chief Science and Technology Officer, and is focussed on the deployment of AI and related technologies to transform the delivery of public services, for the benefit of citizens across the North.

My Department’s AI Strategic Direction framework is related but separate, with a broader focus on the application and diffusion of AI technologies for economic growth in line with my economic vision. My officials are working closely with Professor McCarthy’s team to ensure complementarity.