Artificial Intelligence in Irish Higher Education

This resource portal is dedicated to providing centralised access to policies, guidelines, and resources for teaching and learning in higher education in the context of generative artificial intelligence. The curated policies and frameworks offer authoritative guidance and practical support to inform and enhance institutional practice.

HEA Guidelines & Resources

Policy Framework

Gen AI policy framework

Generative AI in Irish Higher Education Teaching & Learning

Forthcoming (Q4, 2025)

Recommendations

Principles for ethical AI adoption

Ten Considerations for Generative Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Irish Higher Education

case studies

Mapping gen AI use at Irish institutions

Mapping Generative Artificial Intelligence in Irish Higher Education

SATLE funding

SATLE (Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement) funding supports innovation in teaching and learning across Irish higher education. As part of their funding commitments, institutions contribute to sector-wide knowledge sharing. A wide variety of open educational resources, including SATLE-funded initiatives on artificial intelligence, are available through the National Resource Hub.

Selected initiatives:

(AI)²ed: Toolkit for the Ethical Use of GenAI in Learning and Teaching
A toolkit to support the ethical and educational use of generative AI in teaching, learning, and assessment.

University College Cork

Are You AI Ready?
A faculty guide to support ethical and effective use of generative AI in teaching and assessment, and a student guide to help learners navigate and responsibly use GenAI in their academic work.

University College Dublin

Generative AI and Prompt Literacy: A comprehensive guide for students
Designed for third level students aiming to enhance their understanding and use of generative AI. The course provides an insight in to AI today, frameworks for using AI, and ethical considerations.

South East Technological University

Open courses for professional development

Open Courses are flexible professional development opportunities, co-designed by the higher education community and the HEA, aligned to the National Professional Development Framework.

GenAI for Teaching and Learning: How to Do It Right
A 25-hour self-study course exploring ethical and effective uses of generative AI in higher education, developed in partnership with TCD, DCU and UL. Completion leads to a digital badge aligned with the National Professional Development Framework.

AI Fluency: Framework & Foundations
A 4 hour self-study course designed to build confidence and competence in collaborating with AI systems effectively, ethically, and safely. Developed in partnership with UCC, RCAD and Anthropic, this course introduces the “4D” AI Fluency Framework: Delegation, Description, Discernment, and Diligence.

National Policies & Guidelines

National frameworks and guidance shaping the ethical, effective, and transparent use of AI across Ireland’s public and education sectors.

Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service
Published by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, these guidelines support ethical and transparent AI adoption across government, and include practical tools such as a decision framework, lifecycle guidance, and a responsible AI planning canvas.

AI and Education
This advice paper, published by the Government of Ireland AI Advisory Council, explores the urgent challenges and opportunities presented by generative AI in Irish education, and recommends coordinated national guidelines, AI literacy training for educators, and equitable access for learners.

International Guidelines

European Commission

Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI
Published by the High-Level Expert Group on AI, these guidelines outline seven key requirements for trustworthy AI, including human oversight, transparency, and accountability. They are supported by the Assessment List for Trustworthy AI (ALTAI) assessment tool for practical implementation.

Ethical guidelines on the use of artificial intellgience (AI) and data in teaching and learning for educators
Designed for educators, these guidelines support critical, ethical, and informed engagement with AI and data technologies in education, highlighting both their potential and associated risks.

UNESCO

Guidance for Generative AI in Education and Research
Provides global policy recommendations for the safe, inclusive, and equitable use of generative AI in educational and research contexts, with a focus on governance, ethics, and teacher preparedness.

AI Competency Framework for Teachers
Outlines the knowledge, skills, and values educators need to integrate AI effectively and responsibly into teaching, curriculum design, and professional development.

AI Competency Framework for Students
Defines the foundational AI literacy and ethical awareness students require to engage critically and creatively with AI technologies in learning and society.

OECD

OECD AI Capability Indicators
Introduces the OECD’s beta AI Capability Indicators, designed to assess and compare AI advancements against human abilities to provide a clear framework for policymakers to understand AI’s potential impacts on education, work, public affairs and private life.

The potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on equity and inclusion in education
This working paper reviews the impact of artificial intelligence on equity and inclusion in education, focusing on learner-centred, teacher-led and other institutional AI tools.

World Economic Forum

Shaping the Future of Learning: The Role of AI in Education 4.0
The Role of AI in Education 4.0: This report explores the potential for artificial intelligence to benefit educators, students and teachers. Case studies show how AI can personalise learning experiences, streamline administrative tasks, and integrate into curricula.

Recommended Resources

These resources support the responsible, effective, and contextually relevant integration of generative AI in Irish higher education. They reflect current national and international guidance, research, and practice.