The South Belfast MLA said: “I have previously called for Ministers to clearly set out how they will manage AI, and while this Office seems to be a positive development, clarification is required to fully understand the nature of it.

“The lack of clarity over the remit, responsibilities, resourcing, and functionality of the office leaves a lot of questions unanswered.

“Any Executive AI unit must clearly engage with both the opportunities and challenges that the technology poses to the public sector, as well as fostering collaboration and learning with interested groups across government, public bodies, academia and industry.

“AI is not a future issue for policymakers, but is a challenge that we must meet in the here and now. It’s already playing a key part in reshaping the global economy and driving efficiencies within both the public and private sectors.

“Without the required urgency, Northern Ireland risks falling behind and missing out on key opportunities that will emerge to improve our public services, drive economic growth, and develop a safe and ethical approach to the use of AI.

“Maximising the opportunities and unleashing the economic potential of AI is critical, and must go hand in hand with effective mitigation and management. Northern Ireland is well positioned to leverage the potential of AI, but government must get much more engaged to help all of us grasp the opportunities that exist.”