Aindrias Moynihan
Question:13. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his assessment of the impact of his Department’s SME test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13383/26]
View answerSmall and Medium Enterprises
Questions (13)
Written answers
The SME Test encourages policymakers across Government to apply the principle of “think small first” and consider the impact that any new measures may have on SMEs, and to mitigate against those impacts where possible.
This approach helps ensure that new policies are designed in a way that supports SMEs and reduces unnecessary burdens on them.
In May 2024, the Government committed to ensuring that an enhanced SME Test will be applied to all major new measures. Then, in October 2024, the Government formally approved the enhanced SME Test and Guidelines.
Under the current Programme for Government, we have committed to "rigorously implement the SME test to scrutinise every new piece of legislation and regulation for its impact on SMEs".
In addition, the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity published last year also states that, “all Government Departments will apply the SME test to all measures, in particular to policy initiatives where it is proposed to increase costs on small business and include the SME Test in the Government handbook.”
In terms of impact, we are seeing a growing and more consistent use of the SME Test. In 2025, 33 SME Tests were applied by 10 Government Departments. This compares to 26 SME Tests applied by 8 Government Departments in 2024.
The year-on-year growth of almost 27% in the number of Tests applied in 2025 is a good indication that the enhancements, implementation group and Government commitments are having an impact.
I am keen for this number to continue increasing year on year, and my officials and I are exploring ways to strengthen the consistent use of the SME Test across Government.
To support implementation of the SME Test, my officials have delivered information sessions to several Government Departments. Training and resources were also made available to all Departments in 2025 through the OneLearning platform. Additional resources are being developed and will be accessible to civil service policymakers at any time through OneLearning.
Each Department is also expected to publish SME Tests on their websites, ensuring transparency and accessibility.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to work with all Departments through the cross-Government network to support and monitor the application of the SME Test, and to ensure that it is applied consistently and effectively across Government.
Employment Data
Questions (14)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Question:14. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to outline the key findings of the Annual Employment Survey 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13360/26]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware my Department co-ordinates the Annual Employment Survey of the client companies of the enterprise development agencies, being Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta. The results are presented by Irish and foreign-owned firms, by region and by sector.
The results of the Annual Employment Survey for 2025 remain robust and demonstrate the continued resilience of the exporting sector of the economy. The findings show that total full and part-time employment in agency supported companies amounted to over 554,000 jobs in 2025, the highest ever level, accounting for approximately one fifth of total employment in Ireland.
Total employment in companies surveyed increased by 1.4% or 7,636 jobs over 2024 and is up 30% over the past decade.
In foreign-owned firms there was an increase of 1.3% in full-time employment in 2025 to reach 306,000 jobs. Irish-owned firms reported an increase of 1.1% in full-time employment in 2025 to reach 205,000 jobs.
By sector in 2025, among foreign-owned companies, the largest increases were in Chemicals, Financial Services and Medical Devices. Among Irish-owned firms, the largest increases were in Business Services, Construction, Other Services, and Wood and Wood Products.
Looking at the regional impacts, we see growth in all regions with one exception in 2025, with 60% of the new jobs created being outside the Dublin region. Over a ten year period all regions have grown employment.
These results demonstrate the continued resilience of employment in our export oriented firms, in spite of the turbulence in the global trading environment. They also demonstrate the success of the work of the enterprise agencies and of Government policy to support Irish and foreign owned companies to grow, innovate and compete strongly in global markets.
Artificial Intelligence
Questions (15)
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Question:15. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps being taken to build national capacity within regulators and industry in advance of the full commencement of the EU AI Act; the way in which this will support Ireland’s position as a competitive and innovation-focused location for AI development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13254/26]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the EU AI Act entered into force on 1 August 2024 and will apply in on a phased basis, with the main supervision and enforcement provisions coming into effect from 2 August 2026, and certain high-risk provisions coming into effect in 2027. My Department, with overall responsibility for the national implementation the EU AI Act, is working closely with other departments and our national regulators to ensure Ireland is fully prepared for the timely and effective implementation of this regulation in Ireland.
Ireland has adopted a distributed model of competent authorities for the EU AI Act, with a designated central authority to provide coordination and several centralised functions. This approach builds on Ireland’s existing regulatory structures to maintain coherence and efficiency and reflects the Government’s commitment to responsible innovation and the adoption of trustworthy AI.
To date, thirteen public bodies have been designated as market surveillance authorities (MSA) and four as notifying authorities (NA), with some of those public bodies having a dual role as both an MSA and an NA.
In January 2026, Government approved the priority drafting of the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026. Among other things, the Bill will establish a new statutory independent body – Oifig IS na hEireann - to act as the Single Point of Contact and central coordinating authority for the EU AI Act in the State.
My Department is engaging with the Office of the Parliamentary Council to progress the Bill in a timely manner with the objective of having the legislation enacted in advance of August 2026, so that the new Office can assume its role as central coordinating authority, national Single Point of Contact and promoter of trustworthy AI adoption. €1.5 million has been secured in Budget 2026 for the start-up phase of the Office, with an initial complement of staff to be in place by the end of 2026.
In addition to legislative measures, we are also investing in AI Act compliance readiness across industry , with a strong focus on SMEs. My Department, in collaboration with CeADAR, Ireland’s national centre for applied AI, has developed a free online training course – “AI for You: Introduction to AI and the EU AI Act” – to help small businesses understand what AI is, and what the Act means for them. We also engage regularly with providers and deployers of AI through industry events, meetings with companies and representative bodies, and through guidance and tools e available on the Department’s website. These measures are aimed at both raising awareness of upcoming regulatory obligations and ensuring our enterprises can move quickly to align with the new framework, thereby reducing friction and cost when the Act is fully applicable.
Question No. 16 answered orally.
Tourism Policy
Questions (17)
James Geoghegan
Question:17. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to outline any engagements he or his Department has had with any stakeholder or body under his Department’s aegis on a matter (details supplied); if he will provide an update in respect of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13323/26]
View answerWritten answers
The introduction of a visitor accommodation levy was proposed in Foundations for the Future, the Report of the Commission on Taxation and Welfare published in September 2022 and, more recently, in Capital City, the report of the Dublin City Taskforce published in October 2024, specifically for Dublin City. In the case of the latter, the proposed levy was presented as part of the funding mechanism to support implementation of the actions in the Dublin City Taskforce Report.
The Programme for Government commits to implementing the Dublin City Centre Taskforce recommendations and to apply the taskforce model to other cities, towns and regions in need of revitalisation.
The Interdepartmental Group (IDG) on the Dublin City Centre Taskforce Report which is led by the Department of the Taoiseach published its report and accompanying roadmap in June 2025 and these provide a course of action to implement the Taskforce’s recommendations.
An oversight Board led by the Department of the Taoiseach, with broad representation from across Government, including the Local Authority, Dublin City Council and agencies such as Fáilte Ireland was established to oversee implementation of the roadmap and associated actions. The implementation board established a financing subgroup to consider and report back on a number of funding mechanisms, including a visitor accommodation levy, to support the implementation of the actions arising from the Dublin City Taskforce Report. I understand that both the implementation group and financing sub group have met on a number of occasions throughout 2025.
The introduction of such a levy needs careful consideration, given the importance of inbound international tourism to Ireland's economy, regionally and nationally. Any visitor accommodation levy would have to take account of many issues, including who will be liable to pay it; for example, whether its application would be limited to international visitors or extended to all visitors, including domestic visitors and how the levy would be collected. The geographic scope of such a measure is also an issue for consideration.
To date, a proposal for an accommodation levy has not been finalised or agreed. If such a proposal is agreed it will be presented to Government for consideration and if approved by Government, actions including a stakeholder engagement campaign would be required in advance of any implementation.
Artificial Intelligence
Questions (18, 23)
Shay Brennan
Question:18. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he considers that the AI advisory council should have a dedicated role for, or membership of, civil society organisations, such as disabled people’s organisations, human rights advocates and people representing marginalised groups and communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12901/26]
View answer
Sean Fleming
Question:23. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he plans to put the AI advisory council, which currently operates on a voluntary basis, on a permanent footing and provide it with State funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12951/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 23 together.
The AI Advisory Council was established in January 2024 to provide independent expert advice to government on artificial intelligence policy, and to build public trust. Its members serve in a voluntary capacity and contribute their time and expertise in the public interest. Following two public calls for expressions of interest, I am satisfied that the existing membership reflects a broad range of experience across civil society.
I am aware the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence made several recommendations regarding the Council in their first interim report. The establishment of the new AI Office of Ireland provides an opportunity to put a permanent source of independent expertise on AI in place for the Government, by making this one of the responsibilities of the Office. I believe this is the best way to give effect to the recommendation of the Committee.
The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that Ireland’s approach to AI serves the needs of all parts of society. Our wider national governance framework for AI, including implementation of the EU AI Act, is designed to promote fairness, transparency and strong protections for health, safety and fundamental rights, while supporting the development of human-centric, trustworthy AI.
In November 2024, the Government identified a range of national public authorities which will supervise or enforce the respect of obligations under Union law protecting fundamental rights and my Department continue to liaise with them in preparation for the full implementation of the AI Act.
Under the Act, the AI Office of Ireland will be established as an independent statutory body, with €1.5 million in start-up funding. This Office will act as Ireland’s national focal point for the promotion and adoption of transparent and safe AI, and will play a central role in governance, coordination and innovation to ensure that Ireland fully harnesses AI for economic and societal benefit.
It will also act as the Single Point of Contact for the EU AI Act in Ireland, which will include engaging with stakeholders across civil society.
Artificial Intelligence
Questions (19)
Paul Donnelly
Question:19. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the plans that have been put in place to protect those who lose their job through the advancement of AI. [12297/26]
View answerWritten answers
Artificial Intelligence is a transformative technology with major potential for Ireland’s economy and society. Harnessing its benefits is essential to future-proof industries and maintain global competitiveness.
Equally, AI is a disruptive technology, and I am acutely aware of the concerns regarding the impact of AI on the labour market. While AI will undoubtedly create new opportunities, it also carries the risk of job displacement.
Recent research from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, reports that AI adoption in Ireland is accelerating, with demand for AI roles and usage doubling since 2023, highlighting strong labour-market dynamism.
Across several metrics, Ireland is close to the top of global rankings in relation to AI with a very strong demand for persons with AI skills but also a robust pipeline of quality jobs in this field. The initial indications are that there could be considerable upside potential for Irish economic growth going forward given the speed and pace of AI adoption.
Some of the key findings from the report include:
• Ireland leads in terms of the demand for AI jobs
• AI jobs and usage in Ireland have more than doubled since 2023
• Ireland’s ranks 3rd in the EU in terms of digital skills
The research states that Ireland’s enterprise sector and workforce are adapting rapidly to AI, with strong demand for AI skills matched by solid supply. While the report finds that AI is likely to augment many existing roles, it also notes that the overall impact on employment levels is less clear-cut, and continued monitoring is essential.
What is clear is that it will be important to keep a close eye on AI developments across the labour market, and the development of new capabilities and capacities in the workforce will be necessary as it is very likely that new types of jobs will emerge.
The Government will shortly publish an updated National Digital and AI Strategy, setting out a clear roadmap for Ireland’s digital and AI adoption. It will include a priority to support workers in managing the impacts of potential job displacement by ensuring access to agile, high-quality upskilling and reskilling opportunities.
A key proposal within the Strategy is the establishment of a National Skills Observatory by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. It is envisaged that this will transform our skills intelligence landscape and provide a more joined up approach to data gathering and use.
The Observatory will act as a central repository for labour market and skills information in Ireland, facilitating improved workforce planning, stronger policy and decision-making, and improved lifelong learning and workforce reskilling, among other benefits, supporting the development of effective national AI and jobs policy in the years ahead.
It is important to note that the Department of Social Protection's Intreo service provides a number of pay-related and re-skilling supports for those affected by job loss.
The Government's strategic focus on our education system and digital literacy, ranging from primary school through to PhD level, in tandem with investment in infrastructure, enterprise supports, attracting world class talent and fostering the adoption of AI in SMEs and are all key to enhancing our global competitiveness and accelerating job creation and we have seen a number of AI driven job generation announcements across the country in recent months.
Business Supports
Questions (20)
Tony McCormack
Question:20. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the engagement he has had with retail representative bodies regarding the challenges facing the sector in 2026; the policy responses under consideration to sustain employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13250/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Government acknowledges that the retail sector contributes to the economy of every city, town and village in Ireland. The sector provides highly important employment with over 220,000 people directly employed in retail. The Programme for Government is clear on the intention to support small businesses and as the Minister of State with responsibility for Retail and Chair of the Retail Forum, I am aware of the issues facing retailers.
The Retail Forum allows key issues of relevance to the retail sector to be discussed, with a view to identifying practical actions which could be taken by Government, or by industry itself, to support the sector with particular emphasis on achieving sustainable jobs growth in the sector. The work of the Forum is driven by its members and the issues that they have identified as being critical to examine to support sustainable jobs growth in the retail sector. Membership of the Forum includes retailers and retail representative bodies, public sector and academic bodies. The next meeting of the Retail Forum is due to take place on the 3 March 2026.
In relation to supports, the broad range of supports for the retail sector, including training programmes and funding to help retailers adapt to new challenges and opportunities in retail, can be found on the National Enterprise Hub, NEH. The NEH is an all-of-government service staffed by expertly trained advisers and is focused on helping businesses to access a range of Government supports.
Although the schemes are now closed, it is important to note that in 2024 and 2025 over €415 million was paid to SMEs right across the county, including retailers in particular, under the Increased Cost of Business and Power Up grant schemes.
Government made a commitment to establish a Cost of Business Advisory Forum in the Programme for Government 2025. The Advisory Forum brings together enterprise representatives across various sectors, which includes key representative bodies from the retail sector, alongside senior officials across Government departments, regulators and State agencies.
The Forum has met regularly over the last eight months with each meeting devoted to a distinct thematic area of concern to businesses; energy and security of supply, insurance, planning and infrastructure, water services and wastewater, and legal costs.
There are two remaining meetings in 2026 – Regulation: Reporting and Compliance on 18th February and Banking, Payments and Financial Services on 25th March.
Retail representative bodies have made regular submissions to the Forum and have highlighted the real-world impact of increased cost pressures and regulatory burden; and the effect these demands have on the operational capacity and competitiveness of retail SMEs.
As a result of stakeholder input, the resulting findings will inform a report and a set of recommendations to Government to address issues that merit a changed approach, and those steps that can be taken to mitigate these issues to ensure businesses navigating today’s economic landscape, remain in a competitive, resilient and supportive environment for enterprise.
Industrial Development
Questions (21)
Martin Daly
Question:21. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the reinstatement of the IDA advance planning permit for the proposed advance building at the Creagh site in Ballinasloe, including when the planning application will be lodged with Galway County Council; the expected timeline for decision; and the actions being taken in the meantime to position Ballinasloe to secure employment-generating investment given its strategic location on the M6 corridor and the need for economic regeneration. [13008/26]
View answerWritten answers
Under its current strategy, IDA is targeting 550 of 1,000 investment projects between 2025 and 2029 outside Dublin with ambitious targets for every region in Ireland, including a target of 100 investments in the West. To this end, Ballinasloe is marketed as part of the West Region and benefits from its strong strategic location in close proximity to large FDI employers in Galway City, East Galway, and Athlone.
The provision of property solutions is a key element in IDA’s marketing of the West Region and the IDA has available lands across the Region, including in its Business & Technology Park in Ballinasloe and, as you are aware, under its Regional Property Programme for 2025-2029, the IDA has committed to reinstating an advance planning permit for an Advance Building Solution in Ballinasloe in conjunction with Galway County Council.
The IDA continues to engage with Galway County Council in respect of the design and site location for the proposed advance planning permit and is awaiting feedback from Galway County Council. The IDA expects to be able to progress the design phase in 2026 with the planning application most likely to be lodged in 2027 following completion of that design phase.
I should note, in the meantime, that the IDA has already invested significantly in the provision of world-class property solutions in the West and completed the construction of a new 50,000 sq.ft. Advance Building Solution in Parkmore East, Galway, in 2025. And, over the next five years, IDA aims to complete a building in Castlebar and will commence a further building in Galway, subject to the availability of IDA properties, and successful planning and procurement phases. The IDA continues to collaborate with regional stakeholders and actively promotes available buildings and land in IDA Business Parks and high-quality buildings in private ownership through its network of overseas offices.
Business Supports
Questions (22)
John Lahart
Question:22. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will report on the work the Cost of Business Advisory Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13080/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Government has established the Cost of Business Advisory Forum in June 2025 and published the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity in September 2025, both are commitments in the Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future.
The establishment of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum delivers on the commitment regarding supports for Small Business, Enterprise and Industries. The Forum is a tripartite collaboration bringing together various representative bodies spanning multiple sectors as well as the SMEs. The purpose is to jointly consider those issues that can lead to higher costs for businesses in Ireland, any associated regulatory or infrastructural issues that merit a changed approach, and those steps that could be taken to mitigate these issues.
The Forum has met regularly over the last eight months; starting with a plenary session in June where various organisations representing Ireland’s enterprise sector – including SMEs – were joined by officials from State Agencies, Government Departments and Regulatory bodies. The Forum members agreed to a series of thematic meetings, which represented priority concerns for business and enterprise. In 2025, The Advisory Forum completed the following thematic meetings:
• July: Public Utilities: Energy Costs and Security of Supply
• August: Professional Services: Insurance Costs
• September: Regulatory Burden: Infrastructural Delivery and Planning
• November: Public Utilities: Water Services
• December: Professional Services: Legal Costs
There are two remaining meetings scheduled in 2026 – Reporting and Compliance meeting on 18th February and the last thematic meeting will be on 25th March focusing on Banking, Payments and Financial Services. In April 2025, the Forum will focus on members feedback in relation to the final report to Government which is scheduled for the first half of 2026.
It should also be mentioned the Cost of Business Advisory Forum, is complementary to the work that has taken place with the publication of The Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity on the 10th September 2025. The Action Plan reflects a whole-of-government approach to address the domestic drivers of competitiveness, focusing on areas firmly within our domestic control.
The Action Plan contains a total of 85 actions, across six themes including, Theme 3 which focuses on creating and scaling more SMEs. Implementing these actions will strengthen Ireland’s competitiveness and productivity which in turn leads to improvements in our economic performance.
Question No. 23 answered with Question No. 18.
Employment Data
Questions (24)
Paul Lawless
Question:24. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the employment rate in County Mayo; and if he will outline how this compares with other counties. [12161/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department does not collect national employment data directly as this done by the Central Statistics Office. I am advised that the CSO does not publish employment and unemployment rates by County, however, they do publish these statistics by NUTS3 region.
The West region is comprised of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. For the region, the employment rate was 73.6% and the unemployment rate was 6.7% in quarter 3 2025. This compares with an employment rate of 74.7% and unemployment rate of 5.3% for the State in quarter 3 2025. In total, there were 266,200 people employed in the West region in quarter 3 2025.
Regional development is a key focus of the work of my Department and Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. The West region is seeing the significant impact of FDI. There are 133 IDA client companies in the region employing 32,562 people. 16 of these companies are in Mayo and employ over 5,500 people. The FDI performance in the West Region has been strong over the past five years, with employment among IDA clients increasing by 16%.
The West has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Life Sciences, Engineering, International Financial Services, Content, Consumer & Business Services, and Technology. IDA Ireland's regional strategy has a proven track record of success, and the agency has reaffirmed its strong commitment to regional development as one of four key strategic objectives of its 2025-2029 strategy, "Adapt Intelligently". This ambitious strategy aims to secure 550 of a total target of 1,000 investments, outside Dublin, including 100 investments in the West.
Enterprise Ireland client companies employed 6,543 in Mayo in 2025 an increase of 132(2.1%) compared to 2024 (6,411). Enterprise Ireland grants to client companies in Mayo totalled over €2.3m in 2024. In relation to Start-ups, the 2025 New Frontiers programme for the West funded by Enterprise Ireland and managed by Atlantic Technology University, attracted 66 participants this year on Phase 1, and 13 start-ups were selected to participate on Phase 2 from October 2025. The programme supports high potential start-ups from Galway, Mayo, Roscommon with mentoring, hot-desk space and an overall grant package of €22,500 to allow exploration of their new business idea.
Employment Rights
Questions (25)
Sinéad Gibney
Question:25. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department will consider introducing protections for workers in the case of severe weather events in order that they are not placed in undue danger or financially penalised for being unable to attend their workplace during severe weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13368/26]
View answerWritten answers
Ensuring that Irish workplaces are healthy and safe is a key priority for myself and for my Department. The existing legislative framework is strong, comprehensive, and designed to ensure that employers assess risks and take all necessary steps to protect their staff from extreme temperatures and other hazards. The Health and Safety Authority plays a vital role in delivering this robust framework and is essential in supporting employers and employees.
The HSA provides guidance, oversight and timely communication during severe weather, ensuring that workplaces are fully informed and prepared.
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers are legally required to assess the health and safety risks present in their workplace, including risks from excessive heat, storms, or driving for work, and to put appropriate measures in place to protect employees. Extremes of temperature are defined as a hazard and Irish law already regulates work carried out in high or low temperatures.
The HSA supports employers in raising awareness around the identification of vulnerable workers in all work sectors, including agency workers, contractors, migrant workers, part-time and temporary workers, and gig workers. Where an employee has a concern regarding workplace health and safety, they can contact the HSA via their website, by phone or by post. All complaints and concerns about workplace safety, health and welfare are treated seriously and confidentially by the HSA.
Any arrangement regarding the provision of paid leave during extreme weather events is a matter for agreement between the employer and the employee. Such leave may be provided for as part of an employer’s policy or in a contract of employment. Although there are no plans at present to introduce paid leave for extreme weather events, the Workplace Relations Commission provides guidance on employer and employee rights and responsibilities during severe weather. The guidance is available to the public on the WRC website.
My Department, alongside the HSA, consistently monitors the operation of occupational health and safety legislation in Ireland to ensure that we maintain a strong legislative regime. The HSA continue to collaborate with stakeholders across Ireland to ensure maximum impact from regulatory activities, especially in high-risk sectors, and to amplify prevention and guidance activities.
While I appreciate the need to protect workers from occupational hazards, including those presented by extreme weather, I consider that the existing legislation already presents a number of requirements to ensure the safety and wellbeing of employees in this regard.
Tourism Industry
Questions (26)
Catherine Callaghan
Question:26. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the measures being put in place to grow tourism in Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13257/26]
View answerWritten answers
Following extensive consultation with local stakeholders, Ireland’s Ancient East – Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023–2027, was published by Fáilte Ireland as the overarching roadmap for tourism development across the region. This strategy is being implemented through a series of Destination and Experience Development Plans (DEDPs), which bring together public and private partners to prioritise investment, develop experiences, and drive sustainable tourism growth.
Work on the Carlow DEDP, a five-year sustainable tourism development plan, commenced in September 2025. Fáilte Ireland anticipates that the plan will be completed in late 2026, subject to the timely completion of the required environmental assessments.
Furthermore, the Barrow Tourism Masterplan will be delivered under a strategic partnership between Fáilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland. Waterways Ireland will lead on the project and also Chair the project Steering Group. The Masterplan will set out a long-term, sustainable tourism vision for the River Barrow corridor, and substantial progress is expected during 2026.
Fáilte Ireland continues to support tourism businesses in Carlow to identify and capitalise on growth opportunities. The “Digital that Delivers” programme, which supports digital transformation within the sector, has awarded a total of €311,855 to Carlow businesses, comprising investment grants and direct supports such as diagnostics, mentoring and training.
Festivals and events remain central to enhancing the visitor experience. The Pan Celtic International Festival and other events in Carlow have received regional festival funding in recent years. Carlow County Council also secured €500,000 under the Destination Towns scheme, funded through Project Ireland 2040, to develop Carlow’s visitor appeal. The upgraded project was officially launched in April 2024.
For 2026, Fáilte Ireland will continue to prioritise the following areas to support Carlow tourism:
• Sustainability and the Carlow Garden Trail:
• Building on the sustainability programme, Fáilte Ireland will work with members of the Carlow Garden Trail to strengthen the sustainability narrative in their marketing and help position Carlow as a leading sustainable tourism destination.
• Industry Capability and Business Growth:
• Ongoing engagement by Failte Ireland with local industry will focus on building capacity, enhancing capability, and supporting actions that directly contribute to business and destination growth.
• Business Clusters and Collaboration:
• Clusters identified in the Carlow DEDP will be supported to foster collaboration, share best practice, and access tools and information to develop high quality visitor experiences.
• Key Account Management:
• Fáilte Ireland will continue to work closely with selected key tourism businesses in Carlow, identifying business critical challenges, generating insights, and converting opportunities into revenue growth and enhanced visitor offerings.
These combined strategies and investments demonstrate the Government’s commitment to strengthening Carlow’s tourism offering, supporting sustainable development, and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Tourism Industry
Questions (27)
Louis O'Hara
Question:27. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the supports available to communities included in the Wild Atlantic Way initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11994/26]
View answerWritten answers
Communities along the Wild Atlantic Way play a vital role in sustaining one of Ireland’s most successful tourism initiatives. Supports for these communities are primarily delivered through Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority operating under the aegis of my Department, in partnership with local authorities, community organisations and tourism stakeholders.
Fáilte Ireland’s Regional Tourism Development Strategy for the Wild Atlantic Way provides a 10-year vision and a five-year action plan for development in the region and provides the blueprint for sustainable tourism development in the region ensuring our stakeholders and partners can work together towards a shared vision. It identifies what needs to be done to unlock the commercial potential of the region, while protecting the environment, enhancing the lives of local communities and serving the needs and expectations of our visitors.
Supports have included capital investment funding through schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and small-scale capital grants, which assist in developing and upgrading visitor infrastructure, public amenities, trails and access points that benefit both visitors and local residents.
Fáilte Ireland has established localised Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs) to activate these brands. The DEDPs are 5-year sustainable tourism development plans for a destination, which bring public and private sector organisations together to prioritise tourism development projects and maximise their chance for success. The DEDP’s are highly collaborative in nature, involving all local stakeholders and this is reflected in the agreed action plans where ownership is assigned among the various parties.
Communities and tourism enterprises also receive experience and destination development supports, enabling the delivery of high-quality tourism offerings aligned with the Wild Atlantic Way brand, including outdoor, heritage, cultural and sustainable tourism experiences.
Fáilte Ireland further provides business and skills development supports, including mentoring, training, digital capability development and targeted grants to help tourism enterprises improve quality, resilience and long-term viability. These measures are complemented by ongoing domestic and international marketing, by both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, which continues to promote the Wild Atlantic Way as a worldclass touring route.
In addition, under the Shared Island Fund, an allocation of €7.6 million has been made for an all-island tourism brand collaboration initiative in the North West. The overall aim of this project is to strengthen the connection between the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way, enhancing tourism performance across the island of Ireland and further raising its international profile.
The vision of this initiative is to link both routes in a way that encourages visitors to stay longer and spend more, thereby delivering increased economic benefits to communities across the region. A key element of the project is a €1.5 million small grants scheme, which will support the development and enhancement of a range of visitor experiences along the routes.
The project is being developed and implemented collaboratively by the three tourism agencies on the island, reflecting a partnership approach to shared regional development. Local authorities also play a central role in delivering Wild Atlantic Way projects at community level, working closely with voluntary and local stakeholders.
In addition, Fáilte Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta have recently deepened their collaboration through a new strategic partnership which has committed €3 million to two significant island projects on Árainn and Oileán Chléire.
Fáilte Ireland has also partnered with Local Authorities across the Wild Atlantic Way to deliver shared watersports facilities at coastal sites, ensuring that essential services and high-quality visitor infrastructure are available at key locations.
Further partnership investments with the Office of Public Works and the National Parks and Wildlife Service have also enhanced the visitor experience at iconic sites such as the Céide Fields, Ballycroy National Park, the Blasket Centre and others, strengthening the cultural and natural heritage offering available to both communities and visitors.
Tourism businesses in the Wild Atlantic Way region have also benefitted from Fáilte Ireland’s “Digital that Delivers” programme, which supports digital transformation across visitor attractions and activity providers. To date, c. 287 tourism businesses across the Wild Atlantic Way have received support to the value of €15.36 million.
The Government remains committed to ensuring tourism growth along the Wild Atlantic Way is sustainable and delivers balanced economic benefits while protecting the natural and cultural assets on which communities depend.
Work Permits
Questions (28)
Colm Burke
Question:28. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on the measures undertaken by his Department to reduce the backlog for employment permit renewal applications given that the current processing timeline is approximately four months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13143/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is committed to delivering an efficient and responsive employment permit system that supports businesses while ensuring that Ireland continues to benefit from economic migration.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in demand for employment permits. In response, my Department implemented a series of operational improvements to address processing pressures. This included the introduction of more efficient internal processes and the rollout of the new Employment Permits Online system. Launched in April 2025 following a three-year development programme, this cloud-based system modernises how permits are processed and issued, and provides employers and applicants with real-time visibility of their applications through an enhanced online portal.
To support the functioning of the labour market, my Department prioritises applications from new entrants, as these are necessary to enable employers to fill vacancies that cannot otherwise be met.
Applicants seeking to renew their existing employment permit may continue to work while their renewal application is being processed, even where their current permit has expired. This ensures continuity for both employees and businesses.
My Department has taken additional steps to improve renewal processing, including the allocation of extra staffing resources to support the renewal queue. This targeted intervention has reduced renewal processing times by several weeks, and further work is ongoing to sustain and build on this progress.
My Department will continue to maintain and invest in a modern, effective employment permit system capable of meeting the needs of a dynamic labour market.
Business Supports
Questions (29, 66)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:29. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of people who have applied for the emergency humanitarian flooding scheme in each of the past six weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12167/26]
View answerNaoise Ó Muirí
Question:66. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the progress of the emergency humanitarian flooding scheme for impacted businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13361/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 66 together.
This Department operates the Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme for small businesses and voluntary, community and sports organisations that are affected by flooding as a result of extreme weather and are unable to obtain flood insurance through no fault of their own. The Scheme is administered by the Irish Red Cross on behalf of this Department.
In January, the Department activated the Enhanced Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme for businesses impacted by Storm Chandra and the subsequent heavy rainfall from 26 January to early February.
This Enhanced Scheme is for small businesses of up to 50 employees (or wholetime equivalents), and community, voluntary and sports organisations. It provides a contribution towards the cost of returning a business premises to its pre-flood condition.
There are two payment stages; an initial payment of up to €5,000, and then a second payment subject to assessment of the damages by an independent, professional assessor. The total funding available is capped at a maximum of €100,000 per small business or community, voluntary or sporting body. These funds may be used to replace damaged flooring, fixtures, fittings, and stock with the aim of enabling businesses to reopen as soon as possible.
As of the 18 February 2026, the Irish Red Cross have received 57 applications for the Enhanced Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme. Total funding disbursed to date is €52,000, which represents initial payments of up to €5,000 to 11 SMEs. Further payments will be made, up to a total of €100,000, once independent professional assessments are carried out.
|
Week Commencing |
Applications Received |
|
29 January |
3 |
|
2 February |
27 |
|
9 February |
23 |
|
16 February |
4 |
Further information and application forms are available on the Irish Red Cross website. The closing date for applications is 6 March 2026.
Artificial Intelligence
Questions (30)
Willie O'Dea
Question:30. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if the national AI office will have advisory panels in place for routinely collaborating with young people, older people and disabled people and including representation from those groups and also civil society groups that can provide routine expertise and insights into AI harms and benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12900/26]
View answerWritten answers
The EU AI Act requires that Member States identify national public authorities responsible for supervising or enforcing compliance with Union law protecting fundamental rights, including the right to non-discrimination, in relation to certain high-risk uses of AI systems specified in the EU AI Act. Under the AI Act, fundamental rights are those enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, including democracy, the rule of law and environmental protection.
In a Government Decision of 9th October 2024, Government approved list of national public bodies which protect fundamental rights, including the right to non-discrimination, in relation to certain high-risk uses of AI systems, specified in the Act. Ireland’s list of fundamental rights authorities identified in accordance with Article 77 of the EU AI Act can be found on my Departments’ website at [EU AI Act - DETE]
These fundamental rights authorities are not competent authorities for the AI Act, nor are any obligations, responsibilities or tasks assigned to them under the AI Act. Rather, these authorities will get additional powers to facilitate them in carrying out their current mandates in circumstances involving the use of AI systems.
In addition, once established the AI Office of Ireland will engage and consult with a broad range of stakeholders across civil society, including representatives of groups most effective by AI systems. This will help ensure that the Office’s work reflects diverse perspectives and supports transparent, rights based implementation of the AI Act.