RTÉ’s This Week programme released data collected from all Irish universities. However the State broadcaster found UCD, UCC, Maynooth and the University of Limerick (UL) don’t differentiate between the unsanctioned use of AI and other plagiarism.

This would suggest the number of students utilising the tech to cheat is actually much higher.

Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) released statistics showing 71 students utilised AI and the National College of Ireland data stated 68 students used AI during coursework.

RTÉ said Trinity College had not yet responded to a Freedom of Information request.

At Dundalk IT, 43 used AI against the rules. However, the institution has 5,000 students.

The number recorded as using AI inappropriately was small compared to the student body at colleges that did supply information.

At St Patrick’s Carlow College, for the majority of the 46 students who used AI against rules, they faced a grade penalty. Other punishments included failing the coursework and having to resubmit with grades capped.

The National College of Ireland said students repeatedly using AI in a prohibited manner faced suspension.

At Mary Immaculate College, students were punished with an F mark for coursework. However they were also allowed to do resits but with grades capped.

The University of Galway said its lecturers detect suspected AI use cases and then organise one-to-ones with the student.

Seán de Búrca, education officer at the University of Galway, told RTÉ not having a transparent AI policy was consistently raised.

“What we see is in some modules, students are told to use AI. (In) other ones, they’re told, (they) can’t use it. The result is students can end up using AI in the module where they’re not supposed to,” he said.

Emma Muldoon Ryan, vice-president of academic affairs at AMLÉ, the national students’ union, told the broadcaster students needed direction on the appropriate uses of AI.

“Some methods of assessment are outdated and the concern for cheating does feed into that… Most are looking for adoption in a controlled manner,” she said.

The Department of Higher Education stated bodies are in place to support third-level institutions to respond to the “challenges of academic misconduct, including those exacerbated by AI tools”.