A SENEDD scrutiny committee has criticised the Welsh government’s use of artificial intelligence in the decision-making to close Industry Wales.

The public accounts & public administration committee report published today criticises the review process used to close down the body supporting industry in Wales.

After a review and amid reports of “accounting irregularities,” in October the Welsh government announced it was winding up Industry Wales. But the scrutiny committee says AI was used in the process.

However, a Welsh government spokesman said detailed analysis of the evidence, assessment of the options and preparation of the review were carried out by officials.

“The use of CoPilot during the review of Industry Wales was limited to producing full, accurate and unbiased transcripts of interviews, analysing and grouping comments into common themes,” the spokesman said.

Committee chairman Mark Isherwood said: “Strengthening governance, transparency and accountability must be a priority for the next Senedd if the Welsh government is to deliver better outcomes and value for money.”