Written Answers Nos. 191-207
191. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the assessments his Department has carried out of the net employment impact of generative AI across key Irish sectors over the next five years; the way in which enterprise and skills supports are to be aligned to manage job displacement alongside job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30423/26]
View answerThe Department is continually monitoring the labour market and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), including generative AI.
There are already clear impacts on the labour market and I have no doubt that the impacts in the years to come will be marked. My department, through the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) published research on the theme of AI and the labour market late last year. The paper ‘How AI is transforming the Irish Labour Market’ (see: egfsn-skills-insight-note-2025-2-_how-ai-is-transforming-the-irish-labour-market-final-for-website.pdf) highlighted the speed at which Ireland is moving in relation to AI. The research noted that Ireland leads in terms of the demand for AI jobs but also has a strong performance in relation to the supply of AI talent.
We have seen a doubling in AI jobs and usage since 2023. While this is a fast-changing field – it shows the inherent dynamism and resilience of the labour market here, and this bodes well for productivity, growth and incomes. The paper used national level data to compare Ireland with other European and international economies but doesn’t specifically go into forecasting or net employment impacts. My officials will be updating this work over the course of the year and I will be more than happy to share any updated analysis and insights.
The EGFSN is also funding a range of AI related work, including a project on ‘Skills for Digital Specialists 2030’. I expect that this report will be published in the first half of this year and this will identify skills needs and gaps for ICT/digital specialists, including AI.
The EGFSN is also co-funding a new ‘Working in Ireland Survey’ on the Irish labour market being done by UCD. Research from this extensive, all-island study will be available in 2026 and will include work on AI and the labour market.
Work published in February of this year from the Department of Finance also pointed to the fact that our labour market is highly exposed to AI given the composition of employment here, specifically in relation ICT, financial and professional services. The work also noted that AI may already be affecting employment patterns, with sectors more exposed to AI such as ICT and financial services recording significantly weaker employment growth in recent years.
In terms of strategy, the new National Digital & AI Strategy, Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future (published in February), sets out a clear roadmap for advancing Ireland’s digital and AI capabilities in the years ahead, underlying digital competitiveness as a foundation for economic resilience. A key priority is to fast-track enterprise technology adoption to boost productivity and competitiveness.
Finally, it is clear that given the rapid advancement of AI technology 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. Key commitments include ensuring access to agile, and fit-for-purpose, high quality upskilling and reskilling opportunities; a nationwide Digital and AI skilling campaign; a new Roadmap for Technology Skills of the Future; and a new National Skills Observatory to assist Government to develop national AI and jobs policy in the years ahead. I know the Department of Further and Higher Education Research, Innovation and Science has been particularly busy in these areas
192. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps he has taken under the entrepreneurship growth plan to develop specified supports for those with disabilities. [30502/26]
View answerThe SME & Entrepreneurship Growth Plan (January 2021) was developed by the SME and Entrepreneurship Taskforce. The Taskforce’s Growth Plan set out a wide range of recommendations with long-term strategic relevance for SME and entrepreneurs, including measures to assist companies to start up, scale up, enhance their digital and green capabilities, and increase export activity. With the measures contained in the 2025 Programme for Government, including the now established Cost of Business Advisory Forum, the Taskforce was stood down.
Disability awareness training is currently ongoing and is offered to all Local Enterprise Office staff. The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 contains a commitment to promote inclusion and accessibility in entrepreneurship through the Local Enterprise Offices and to adapt the content and method of delivery of programmes to suit the needs of different groups in consultation with representative bodies.
193. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the supports being provided for tourism in Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30065/26]
View answerRegional development is a key focus of the Programme for Government and is central to the work of my Department and our Agencies.? In December 2025, my Department published the National Tourism Policy Statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism. This five-year strategy provides a clear framework to guide the development of tourism to 2031. A central aim is to deliver greater regional balance so that counties like Louth can benefit from a strong and competitive tourism offering.
At the outset, I should clarify that regional tourism development and promotion is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, in collaboration with Local Authorities and other tourism stakeholders.
Fáilte Ireland works in partnership with Government, State Agencies, Local Authorities, representative groups and industry, to develop tourism across Ireland by creating destination development plans and networks, investing in infrastructure, activities, visitor attractions and festivals.
The Government, through Fáilte Ireland and in partnership with Louth County Council, is providing a range of targeted supports for tourism development in County Louth and is implementing a strategic, place-based approach to unlocking the commercial tourism potential of County Louth under the Ireland’s Ancient East Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023–2027 and the ‘Ancient’ Destination Experience Development Plan for counties Louth & Meath. Louth is positioned as a critical gateway and driver within both the Boyne Valley and Ireland’s Ancient East, with a focus on sustainable destination development, enhanced visitor experiences, and strong community participation.
The Re-Imagined Boyne Valley Drive is a catalyst project in the ‘Ancient’ Destination Experience Development Plan for counties Louth & Meath which aims to transform the existing route from a point-to-point journey between key heritage sites into a more immersive visitor experience, presenting a 5,000-year journey through the history of the Boyne Valley. The enhanced proposition seeks to encourage visitors to engage more deeply with the destination by experiencing it beyond the car, thereby increasing dwell time and supporting visitor spend in towns and villages along the route.
A project roadmap and action plan have been developed to achieve these objectives. Delivery commenced in 2025, with a number of projects progressing during that year and continues in 2026. This connects south county Louth from Clogherhead through the south of the county to Drogheda, the gateway to the Boyne Valley
A core pillar of this approach is the development of signature, cross-regional experiences that encourage longer dwell time, repeat visitation and greater regional spread of visitors.
Louth council in partnership with Meath & Kildare country councils and Fáilte Ireland is leading a St Brigid’s way ‘options development appraisal’ to establish how this trail from Faughart to Kildare could be developed.
In terms of destination positioning and place identity, Fáilte Ireland is progressing a Cultural and Sustainable Destination Development Strategy for the ancient ‘Kingdom of Oriel’, covering Counties Louth and Monaghan, and connecting cross border in Co. Armagh. The strategy seeks to articulate a shared vision for the ancient kingdom as a layered experiential destination, rooted in music, language, literature, landscape and living tradition, strengthening the region’s cultural tourism proposition.
Significant progress has been made in Drogheda, reflecting its strategic role as the Gateway to the Boyne Valley. Fáilte Ireland has developed a placemaking plan for the destination and in partnership with Louth County Council is currently developing a visitor and value proposition for the Millmount Quarter, positioning it as a distinctive anchor attraction and orientation point.
Louth has also demonstrated leadership in cross-border tourism development. Under the Department’s €23 million Shared Destinations programme funded through the Shared Island initiative, €6 million has been allocated to the Carlingford Lough Visitor Enhancement project, supporting tourism development in County Louth on a cross-border basis with County Down. The project will deliver improved visitor infrastructure and experiences, including trails, access points and wayfinding, with the objective of enhancing sustainable tourism, increasing visitor dwell time and supporting economic benefits for communities in the Cooley Peninsula and surrounding area.
The Boyne Valley region has a rich history of food production and trade, dating back over 5,000 years. The story of food is also a catalyst project in the in the ‘Ancient’ Destination Experience Development Plan for counties Louth & Meath. Food development is supported through the delivery of the Boyne Valley Food Development strategy 2024 - 2028, developed in partnership with Louth & Meath Councils and Failte Ireland and supports not only the food sectors but key initiatives including, Boyne Valley Flavours, SeaLouth Seafood trail & the Centre of food culture. Successful initiatives to date linked to this strategy include the ‘Boyne Valley Bites’ a project to support the promotion and utilization of local produce and the creation of a food tour in Drogheda.
Key achievements to date in County Louth also include strong destination marketing performance, with County Louth imagery and content featured prominently on Fáilte Ireland social platforms to promote the St Brigid’s Bank Holiday weekend, reinforcing Louth’s emerging cultural and seasonal tourism appeal.
Taken together, these initiatives demonstrate a coherent strategic approach for Louth under the Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023–2027, centred on experience-led development, infrastructure investment, cross-border collaboration, cultural storytelling and sustainable community benefit, all of which are designed to unlock Louth’s full commercial tourism potential.
In March, I confirmed €623,250 under the 2026 Regional Festivals Fund to support c.250 festivals nationwide, including in Louth. This represents an increase on 2025 and ensures every local authority receives a minimum of €10,000. A new €310,000 Food Festival Fund was also introduced to strengthen culinary tourism.
In addition, the Home of Halloween Destination Development Scheme, launched in 2025, supports a joint Meath–Louth project receiving up to €100,000 per annum from 2025–2027 to develop immersive Halloween festivals rooted in local folklore and the Boyne Valley’s Samhain heritage, extending the tourism season into October and November and delivering economic benefits across both counties. These initiatives strengthen Louth’s tourism offer, support economic growth, and enhance the visitor experience, complemented by An Lú project funded through Fáilte Ireland’s Urban Animation Capital Investment Scheme, which brings the town’s heritage to life through lighting installations and street art inspired by local mythology.
Collectively, these interventions demonstrate a comprehensive suite of supports being provided to strengthen Louth’s tourism offer, drive sustainable economic growth, and enhance the visitor experience across the county.
194. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the targeted measures or supports being considered or implemented by his Department to support the retail sector in the context of increased operating costs, changing consumer behaviour and international economic pressures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30088/26]
View answerThe Government acknowledges the contribution of the retail sector 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.
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 last meeting of the Retail Forum took place on the 3 March 2026 and topics discussed included Retail Crime, the Deposit Return Scheme, Environmental levy on single-use disposable cups and the National Minimum Wage.
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.
The Government established the Cost of Business Advisory Forum to bring together enterprise representatives across various sectors, including 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.
The Cost of Business Advisory Forum had its last meeting on 22nd April to discuss the final report and its findings, which will be presented to Government in first half of 2026.
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.
195. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will detail any contact his Department has had with a company (detail supplied) in relation to the latest round of redundancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30411/26]
View answerMy Department received a notification of proposed collective redundancies from the company referred to by the Deputy on 17 April 2026.
My foremost concern is the potentially impacted employees and their families during this uncertain time. IDA Ireland is actively engaged with the company’s Irish site leadership and at their US HQ in exploring all options with the company.
Ireland has a robust suite of employment rights legislation to protect and support workers in redundancy situations. Employers must comply with a number of legal obligations when proposing collective redundancies, including the requirement to consult and provide information to employees' representatives for a 30-day period, before any notice of redundancy can issue.
The Protection of Employment Act 1977 imposes certain legal obligations on employers proposing collective redundancies including:
• The requirement to hold a 30-day consultation and information process with employees’ representatives.
• The consultation with employees’ representatives should include the possibility of avoiding the proposed redundancies, reducing the number of employees effected or mitigating their consequences. Employers may not issue notice of redundancy during the consultation period.
• Employers must notify me as Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment of the proposals at least 30 days before the first dismissal takes effect.
The Redundancy Payments Act 1967, as amended, requires employers to pay a statutory redundancy payment to eligible employees who are being made redundant and have more than 2 years’ service.
Employees have the right to refer complaints to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on a wide range of employment law breaches for an adjudication and redress, including the right to refer a complaint should an employer fail to consult or provide certain information to employees in collective redundancy situations.
In parallel, IDA Ireland has established internal processes for dealing with potential and actual job loss situations with its client companies. In the event of any announced or pending job losses, IDA also partners with other support agencies at a local level to implement the Job Loss Protocol. It provides a coordinated response by relevant government departments and agencies at a local level to support impacted employees in the event of a significant job loss announcement.
IDA Ireland is also fully respectful of the consultation process that may be underway by any company and its employees/representatives following any announcement or proposed announcements.
The types of supports that may be provided include:
• Provision of a detailed skills profile for the site; a talent catchment map and timings for when individuals will be available, provided by the company.
• Identification of other employers who may be hiring across IDA and EI client companies.
• Sharing of skills profiles with other companies who may be hiring and direct engagement with HR departments, when appropriate through IDA and EI.
• Briefings by local Department of Social Protection/Intreo officials to impacted employees on social welfare and employment support services to support impacted employees’ transition to new employment opportunities.
• Identification of training and further education opportunities for employees (ETBs; Skillnet; Universities)
• Exploring opportunities to start your own business through LEOs and Enterprise Ireland.
196. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department is considering changes that will allow for online platforms to be treated as publishers to increase their accountability for the content they allow on their websites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16796/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for their question regarding online safety, which is a key priority of mine, as it is for the whole of Government. It is my view that consideration should be given to introducing changes to allow online platforms to be treated as publishers. I agree that this is one possible way in which we can enhance accountability for the content platforms allow on their websites.
The regulation of online platforms and the accountability of digital services for the content hosted on their services is primarily addressed at European Union level, reflecting the scale and cross-border nature of such services. I understand there are currently no plans at EU level to introduce measures to reclassify online platforms as publishers.
In terms of existing structures that work to hold platforms to account. The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a key pillar of the EU digital rulebook and also of Ireland’s online safety framework.
The DSA places obligations on providers of online intermediary services, including online social media platforms, to protect users and consumers of the online services. The DSA is designed to provide better protection of fundamental rights; more control and choice over online experiences; stronger protection of children online; and expedited removal of illegal content. The regulation has applied in full since 17 February 2024.
Last week the European Commission preliminarily found Meta's Instagram and Facebook in breach of the DSA for failing to diligently identify, assess and mitigate the risks of minors under 13 years old accessing their services. This development is an example of how the DSA's safeguards work to protect the most vulnerable in society from the misuse of digital tools.
The DSA introduces additional specific rules for Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) that reach more than 10% of the 450 million consumers in Europe, in view of the elevated risks they pose for the dissemination of illegal and harmful content. The European Commission has responsibility for supervising and enforcing the obligations that apply to Very Large Online Platforms and Very Large Online Search Engines.
The DSA maintains the existing liability exemptions established under the e-Commerce Directive for intermediary service providers. This means that these providers are not held liable for content transmitted or hosted on their platforms, provided that they are unaware the content is illegal or infringing, or they promptly remove or block access to that content once aware that it is illegal or infringing.
The DSA confirms that providers do not forfeit these liability protections by engaging in voluntary monitoring of content. However, if illegal or infringing material is identified through such monitoring, providers must act promptly to remove it in order to retain their exemption from liability. The regulation also makes clear that there is no general obligation for providers to proactively monitor content on their services.
The DSA places an obligation on intermediary service providers to put in place notice mechanisms that allow users to notify them of the presence on their service of specific items of information that the user considers to be illegal content. Providers are then required to assess, and act on where appropriate, these notices in a timely, diligent, objective, and non-arbitrary manner.
The Digital Services Act 2024 designated Coimisiún na Meán as Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator for the DSA. An Coimisiún has powers to investigate providers in instances where they suspect they have not adhered to the aforementioned obligations.
Under the DSA, an Coimisiún has powers to impose fines of up to €20 million or up to a max of 6% of the provider’s turnover, whichever is greater, if they find that the provider has contravened any of these DSA obligations.
The DSA provides a balanced and proportionate framework for ensuring accountability of online platforms while safeguarding freedom of expression and innovation.
My Department will continue to work with Coimisiún na Meán and within the EU to monitor and help address issues that arise in this area. The recently published National Digital and AI Strategy 2030 contains measures which further reinforce Government’s commitment to enhancing online safety as a whole-system priority.
197. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his plans to broaden the attraction to tourists of Dublin 8 to include markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30425/26]
View answerFáilte Ireland, as the National Tourism Development Authority, works closely with a range of public and private stakeholders to support the sustainable development of tourism experiences that are rooted in local culture, heritage and community. Dublin 8 is an area of significant historical and cultural importance and already forms part of a number of established visitor journeys, including those centred on cultural heritage, food, and creative industries.
In line with Fáilte Ireland’s values and strategic objectives, the focus is on supporting place-based tourism, enhancing the overall visitor experience, encouraging visitor dispersal, and ensuring that tourism delivers positive outcomes for local communities. This includes working with local stakeholders to showcase authentic experiences and promote lesser-known neighbourhoods, thereby strengthening Dublin’s tourism offering beyond traditional hotspots.
While markets can play a valuable role in animating places and enhancing the visitor experience, particularly in showcasing local food, crafts and culture, it should be noted that the establishment, regulation and operation of markets within Dublin city are a matter for Dublin City Council, and do not fall within the remit of my Department or Fáilte Ireland.
That said, where markets or similar initiatives are developed by the relevant local authority and community partners, Fáilte Ireland may support their promotion as part of the wider tourism offering, where they align with national tourism strategies and sustainability principles. This can include inclusion in destination marketing, storytelling initiatives, integration into broader visitor itineraries and may feature on the Discover Ireland website, the official tourism source for domestic holidays in Ireland.
My Department will continue to support Fáilte Ireland in its collaborative approach with local authorities, community groups and industry partners to ensure that tourism development in areas such as Dublin 8 is sustainable, inclusive and benefits both visitors and residents alike.
199. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the engagement between his Department and large employers on the issue of the way in which AI will affect jobs in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30412/26]
View answerMy Department has a number of fora where the current and potential impacts of AI are discussed with businesses and other experts and the insights gained from this inform the policymaking process for AI. In addition, the Department also gets valuable insights through agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and the IDA.
In February, the Government published the new National AI & Digital Strategy, Digital Ireland - Connecting our People, Securing our Future. The Strategy sets out a clear roadmap to accelerate digital and AI adoption across Irish enterprise, with a particular focus on SMEs. Targeted stakeholder engagement with representative bodies was undertaken during the development of the Strategy to ensure that the perspectives of business were taken into consideration.
While Artificial intelligence will generate significant opportunities, it is also a disruptive technology which poses risks of job displacement. As a result, the development of new skills and capacities within the workforce will be essential, given the likelihood that new types of roles will emerge.
This is precisely why the new National Digital & AI Strategy Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future, commits to supporting workers in managing the impacts of potential job displacement by ensuring access to agile, fit-for-purpose and high-quality upskilling and reskilling opportunities.
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. This shows the inherent dynamism and resilience of the Irish labour market and this bodes well for productivity, growth and incomes.
My Department is closely monitoring the impact of AI on the labour market and several projects are underway. This includes a project on ‘Skills for Digital Specialists 2030’ which will identify skills needs and gaps for ICT/digital specialists, including AI.
We are also co-funding a new ‘Working in Ireland Survey’ on the Irish labour market by UCD. Research from this extensive, all-island study will be available later this year and will include work on AI and the labour market. My Department also has an ongoing working relationship with the OECD on AI related research.
Stakeholder engagements provide insights from employers which are channelled through existing enterprise-led research and advisory mechanisms, including the work of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, which draws on employer input to assess how emerging technologies, including AI, are affecting roles, skills requirements and job design across the economy.
Finally, while the pace of job creation within Ireland has slowed in recent months, much of this was anticipated, reflecting global headwinds and capacity constraints. That said, employment numbers from the latest CSO Labour Force Survey (LFS) were strong with a record number of people at work in our economy, with total employment at 2.83 million. Furthermore, our economy is continuing to add and create jobs at a healthy, albeit slowing rate.
200. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures he is taking to increase the number of people with disabilities in employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29503/26]
View answerThe National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 was launched on 3 September 2025. My Department along, with the Department of Social Protection co-leads the Employment pillar of the Strategy. The ambition of the Employment Pillar is to bridge the employment gap between disabled people and others who are in employment and to enhance the opportunities for disabled people who can earn a living, to do so.
My Department’s priority commitment has been to establish a Forum on the Employment of Disabled People, which had its first meeting on 26 February 2026. Its aim is to provide a platform for consultation and engagement with employers on disability employment. This Forum will serve as a means of discussing how best to support employers to employ people with a disability. The Forum engages with relevant stakeholders and Disabled Persons Organisations in pursuit of these aims.
Membership of the Forum includes representatives nominated by members of my Department’s Enterprise Forum, and meetings will also include officials from Departments, agencies, disability organisations, and others, that are relevant to the employment of people with a disability.
As an overarching objective, the Forum will raise awareness of the potential of disabled employees and act as an information exchange and a platform to showcase best practices by businesses to advance the employment of people with disabilities. The Forum will hear the perspectives of both disabled people and employers on best practice in seeking employment and career progression. It will provide a vehicle for sharing relevant information on government policies and programmes which can be further disseminated by members to their individual stakeholders.
201. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment given that tourism is made up of about 46,000 SMEs, and that they operate on very small margins, if he is taking any initiatives to help moderate cost increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30442/26]
View answerI am very conscious that tourism is a predominantly SME-based sector, comprising approximately 46,000 businesses, many of which operate on tight margins and are particularly exposed to cost pressures, including energy, labour and other input costs.
In line with the Programme for Government, tourism policy has been significantly strengthened through the transfer of tourism functions to my Department and the launch of A New Era for Irish Tourism, the Government’s new National Tourism Policy Statement. This policy places tourism firmly within the wider enterprise, trade and employment agenda and includes a strong and explicit focus on supporting tourism SMEs, improving competitiveness and productivity and building long-term resilience.
The Policy Statement sets out a clear framework to address cost pressures in a sustainable manner by prioritising measures such as extending the tourism season, supporting year-round tourism and employment, accelerating digital transformation and improving operational efficiency across businesses. Reducing seasonality, particularly through investment in the October to May off-peak period helps SME’s spread fixed costs over a longer trading year and improves financial viability.
More broadly, the Government recognises the significant challenges facing enterprises arising from global energy price volatility. As part of the comprehensive fuel and energy support measures announced by Government, targeted supports have been put in place to assist businesses, including tourism SMEs. In parallel, Government policy continues to focus on reducing exposure to fossil fuel price volatility through improved energy efficiency, fuel switching and the transition to low-carbon, indigenous energy sources.
For instance, Fáilte Ireland’s Climate Action Programme, places emphasis on helping tourism businesses realise cost savings at an earlier stage. Recent enhancements to the programme are designed to accelerate the identification and implementation of energy-efficiency and fuel-saving measures, allowing businesses to reduce operating costs more quickly, while also supporting emissions reduction and long-term sustainability. Participants are also guided towards relevant SEAI grant supports where appropriate.
To address cost increases and pressures, the Government committed in the Programme for Government 2025 to establishing a Cost of Business Advisory Forum. The Forum brings together business representative bodies, including tourism and hospitality interests, with senior officials from Government Departments, regulators and State agencies. The Forum has met regularly over the past eight months to examine key cost drivers such as energy, insurance, planning and regulatory requirements, water services and financial services. Tourism and hospitality representatives have highlighted the impact of cost and regulatory pressures on operations and competitiveness. I attended the most recent meeting of the Forum on 22 April, and its final report, which sets out practical short- and long-term measures to reduce cost pressures on SMEs, is expected to be brought to Government before the summer recess.
In Budget 2026, I also secured additional funding for Fáilte Ireland to support balanced regional development and domestic marketing, which are particularly important for smaller businesses outside the main tourism centres. The Government has taken concrete steps to support cost moderation and competitiveness in the sector, including the reduction of the VAT rate on food and catering services to 9% from July 2026.
Taken together, these measures demonstrate the Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting tourism SMEs, moderating cost pressures where possible and ensuring that the tourism sector remains competitive, resilient and sustainable into the future.
202. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the action he is taking to help increase productivity in indigenous enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30514/26]
View answerAs Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment, I fully recognise the importance of improving productivity in Ireland's indigenous enterprises, particularly in a volatile trade environment. To support this goal, my Department published the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity on the 10th of September 2025. The overarching objective of the Action Plan is to maintain and improve Ireland's position as a competitive and productive economy capable of withstanding shocks, building on our strengths and developing our indigenous enterprise base while continuing to attract investment and talent from abroad.
The Plan encompasses six themes containing 85 actions. These include a number of provisions aimed at boosting the productivity of Irelands indigenous SME base. Accountability, monitoring and oversight will all be key to the successful delivery of the actions set out in the Action Plan. Each of the 85 actions is assigned a specific owner and a timeline for implementation. Given that the Action Plan has only been in effect for seven months, the vast majority of actions are regarded as in progress, including for SMEs. Priority Actions for Themes 3 and 4 pertaining to SME scaling and regulation respectively are still ongoing. It is anticipated that these actions will be implemented later in 2026/27.
Just under half of the actions are due for delivery in 2026 – the remaining actions were delivered in 2025 or are scheduled for delivery across 2027 to 2030. It is intended that progress on the implementation of the Action Plan will be discussed as part of the Government’s annual Competitiveness Summit in 2026, with the first implementation report to be submitted for discussion at the Summit.
In terms of monitoring the success of this Action Plan and assessing its strategic impact, including sustained improvements in the productivity of Ireland’s indigenous enterprises, the Government will continue to seek the advice and input of the National Competitiveness and predictivity Council, particularly in benchmarking Ireland’s performance against international peers.
204. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if grant support is available for the refurbishment of shopping centres; if not, if he is planning to introduce such a grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29502/26]
View answerThe Government acknowledges the contribution of the retail sector 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.
As the Minister of State with responsibility for Retail and Chair of the Retail Forum, I am aware of the issues facing retailers.
While are there no specific grants for Shopping Centres there are a 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.
205. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on the Programme for Government commitment to implement, fund and expand Enterprise Ireland's Action Plan for Women in Business; the progress made to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30517/26]
View answerEnterprise Ireland’s 6-year Action Plan for Women in Business was launched in 2020. The aim of the strategy is to drive Ireland’s economic success by harnessing the full talent and expertise of a diverse population and, to that end, the objectives of the strategy are to increase the number of women starting, leading and growing Irish businesses.
In August 2025 Enterprise Ireland commissioned research into the barriers to entrepreneurship facing minorities and underrepresented communities in Ireland, which highlighted where supports are working, where gaps remain, and recommended coordinated, inclusive action. This research is informing the approach to evolving the Action Plan in 2026, building on delivery to date and reflecting demographic and ecosystem shifts.
The development of an expanded Action Plan focusing on inclusive entrepreneurship is progressing, aligned with the Enterprise Ireland Strategy 2025–2029 and the Programme for Government commitment. Initial pillars identified include Inclusive, Accessible & Cohesive Support System; Capability, Progression & Leadership; Access to Funding, Finance & Scaling; and Data, Measurement & Visibility. Publication is expected in the second half of 2026.
206. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which the SME test is being applied in practice to assess the impact of new legislation and regulations on business costs; if he will provide specific examples of legislation or policy proposals where the SME test has been used and influenced outcomes; and the way in which this information is being shared across Government. [30414/26]
View answerThe 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 support 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. 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.
The SME Test is also influencing outcomes in a practical way. For example, in the development of additional powers for an Rialálaí Agraibhia (Agri-Food Regulator), engagement identified a potential burden on smaller firms, resulting in small businesses with up to 50 full-time equivalents being excluded from the scope of the legislation.
In my own Department, the SME Test application to the Employment Permits Bill identified options to mitigate impacts on SMEs, leading to a permanent move to electronic permits and the retention of the option to refund fees for refused applications, while related consultation on Minimum Annual Remuneration resulted in a more gradual adjustment period to 2030.
Further examples include a new circular to support Green Public Procurement, which requires contracting authorities to consider SME impacts and to design criteria, reporting and monitoring so that they do not create disproportionate cost or administrative barriers.
In addition, The Media Sector Bill also demonstrates the impact of the SME Test, with public consultation capturing input from the SMEs most affected and informing the introduction of a €2 million turnover threshold, removing costs for smaller businesses.
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.
207. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the action he is taking on the cost of doing business, especially for the SME sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30066/26]
View answerThe Government recognises that the cost of doing business has been a significant issue for firms in recent years, driven by wider inflationary pressures, particularly for SMEs. The Government continues to actively monitor cost developments across all sectors of the economy.
The Cost of Business Advisory Forum was established in June 2025. The Advisory Forum brings together key representative bodies across enterprise, industry, manufacturing, retail, hospitality and agrifood sectors, 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 such as energy and security of supply, insurance costs, planning and infrastructure regulations, water services costs, legal costs, reporting and compliance regulations as well as banking, payments, and financial services.
Representatives across different sectors – including SMEs – reiterated the real world impacts of sustained and increasing cost pressures and regulatory demands on day to day operations, investment capacity, and competitiveness, particularly for smaller enterprises. At its most recent meeting (22 April), Forum members discussed the draft final report and its recommendations, members stressed the importance of presenting a report that will articulate both immediate practical actions and longer-term policy considerations, which are measurable and impactful in reducing operational costs and regulatory burden on SME’s.
I attended the last meeting of the Advisory Forum alongside Minister Dillon and Minister Smyth, and noted the significant work completed by the Forum and reaffirmed their commitment to bringing this report to Government and giving full consideration to the Forum’s findings. The final report, informed by extensive stakeholder input and cross government collaboration is expected to be presented to Government before the summer recess and it will play a key role in shaping future approaches to supporting a competitive, resilient, and sustainable enterprise environment.
I am also pleased to inform that the Small Business Unit was established in my department last year, fulfilling a Programme for Government commitment. The Unit has been tasked with ensuring that the needs and issues of small businesses have a dedicated focus and are recognised and acknowledged across Government. There are a number of tools this Unit and my Department will use to enable its work.
First, through the rigorous implementation of the SME Test. The SME Test tasks policy makers to consider the impact that any new policy, legislation, or regulation, may have on SMEs, and to mitigate against those impacts where appropriate. Secondly, access to grants and support programmes have been simplified through the launch of the National Enterprise Hub (NEH). The NEH is hosted and operated by Enterprise Ireland and has over 250 different supports for businesses from 32 Departments and agencies. Third, the Small Business Unit has responsibility for the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). We are ensuring the LEOs are properly resourced to help small businesses. A review of the full suite of LEO supports is currently underway while my Department and EI have completed a review of applications for all LEO grant schemes to reduce the number of questions and simplify requirements.
I would like to stress the Government and my Department's commitment to backing businesses and we will ensure that the actions aimed at supporting small businesses in the Programme for Government are implemented in an effective and timely manner.
