Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 October 2025
133. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the details being considered as part of the Budget 2026 commitment to promote and leverage the productive use of AI in companies to ensure the benefits are optimised. [55580/25]
View answerThe Government remains firmly committed to unlocking the vast economic opportunities that Artificial Intelligence presents for our businesses.
AI is recognised as a critical driver of growth in the Programme for Government, which outlines initiatives to boost the economy, enhance public services, and ensure ethical development.
The National Digital and AI Strategy is currently being updated, bringing together digital policy and regulatory responsibilities. The updated Strategy will set more ambitious national targets in key areas and will have a significant emphasis on AI throughout.
My Department is actively engaged in shaping the new Strategy and is leading on the Enterprise Pillar, which will focus on three key areas:
• Driving Enterprise adoption and innovation
• Fostering a fit for purpose ecosystem for innovative startups
• Attracting inward investments.
My key priority is to empower businesses to adopt AI, to boost their productivity, drive efficiencies, enhance competitiveness and potentially unlock new markets.
This is especially vital in today's fast changing global economy.
The recently published Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity includes eight measures specifically related to AI and digital adoption.
These strategic actions will ensure Irish enterprises can adapt, thrive, and lead in the digital age.
We have already delivered a wide range of enterprise supports:
• The Grow Digital Voucher offers up to €5,000 to small businesses (under 50 employees) to adopt digital tools like e-commerce, AI, cybersecurity, and website development.
• The Digital for Business consultancy scheme—a free service which connects businesses with expert digital advisors to assess needs and develop tailored plans.
• The Grow Digital Portal showcases success stories from non-tech businesses embracing digital transformation.
• Ireland’s four European Digital Innovation Hubs (Dublin, Cork, Mullingar, Sligo) help SMEs and public bodies adopt key technologies: AI, cybersecurity, and high-performance computing.
• The Cyber Security Review Grant (worth €3,000), to help businesses strengthen their online security.
Through targeted policies, funding, and incentives my Department will continue to enable businesses to leverage the benefits AI has to offer.
