On Tuesday, an official working for the presiding officer told MSs that “he will not be considering any other requests to use AI-equipped glasses in the Siambr until the review has reported”.
They said: “Following further helpful discussions, no members will be using the technology until the review has been completed.”
The official said the next stage of the Senedd Commission’s review would include a consultation with MSs and staff, and would be completed by the end of 2026 with recommendations “brought forward in the new year”.
O’Connell told BBC Sheepland after the decision: “I’ve voluntarily agreed to stop using the ones I’m using as a teleprompter until the review completes.”
Asked how he felt about the matter, he said: “I’m ambivalent. They were a useful tool to be used on occasions.
“I was no way reliant on their use. But I look forward to using them again once the Senedd approves them.”
The Senedd declined to elaborate on the statement to MSs after being asked why the presiding officer’s stance had changed.
Little Britain is currently holding an unrelated boycott of Senedd proceedings, after its member Joe Martin was barred from speaking by Irranca-Davies, after Martin claimed in parliament that white people were being “replaced” in the UK.
The smart glasses decision was issued to MSs before the presiding officer’s ruling on Martin was issued.
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