Malcolm Byrne
Question:79. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to outline the practical supports or mentorship programmes in place to support SMEs in exploring AI adoption. [51946/26]
View answerWednesday, 8 July 2026
Questions (79)
Written answers
Government’s recently published National Digital and AI Strategy, Digital Ireland: Connecting our People, Securing our Future, sets out a clear roadmap for Ireland’s digital and AI adoption and development in the years ahead. At Government level, we are fully committed to supporting this transition. We want to ensure that no business or person is left behind.
We know that AI can significantly boost productivity, particularly for SMEs - whether through automating routine tasks, improving customer engagement, or reducing operational costs. Our long-term competitiveness depends on the strength and productivity of our SMES, and so their adoption of digital and AI tools is essential.
One of my key priorities in the Strategy is fast-tracking enterprise technology adoption, particularly in SMEs, to boost productivity and competitiveness. Under the AI - Good for Business initiative, a national AI and digital awareness roadshow has been established in tandem with Local Enterprise Office (LEO) regions. The Roadshow, which is already underway, helps SMEs understand the practical benefits of AI and digital tools, showcase real SME success stories, and highlight the LEO supports available.
The roadshows also spotlight the Government’s Charter for Digital Inclusion, a national initiative that brings together public bodies, businesses and community organisations to address Ireland’s digital divide. The Charter emphasises partnership, particularly the role of larger businesses in supporting SMEs and local communities to build digital skills, increase awareness, support digital adoption, and help people get online, promoting a more inclusive digital future.
Local Enterprise Offices provide a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes that are tailored to meet specific business requirements. Whether it is a new start up or growing an existing business there are programmes that are suitable for anyone exploring self-employment as an option or for those who are currently operating a business and wish to learn more.
In addition, supports include:
• The Grow Digital Voucher - offers up to €5,000 to small businesses (under 50 employees) to adopt digital tools like e-commerce, AI, cybersecurity, and website development.
• The Digital for Business consultancy scheme, a free service which connects businesses with expert advisors to assess needs and develop tailored plans.
• European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) in Dublin, Cork, Mullingar, and Sligo, offer hands-on support to help SMEs understand, test, and adopt advanced technologies.
Building on existing supports, we are developing a targeted sectoral strategy to drive AI adoption. Enterprise Ireland will appoint AI Sector Champions to spotlight AI opportunities. They will work to deepen understanding of AI-related opportunities and challenges within their respective sectors and to support increased adoption across the enterprise base.
A review of existing SME supports is ongoing to ensure that they remain effective and aligned with enterprise needs.
Another priority in the Strategy is to ensure our workforce has access to agile and fit for-purpose upskilling and reskilling opportunities. CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for AI, supports companies in talent and workforce development. A range of digital and related upskilling and reskilling initiatives are also available via SOLAS and the ETBs, Skillnet Ireland, and Springboard+.
Finally, the establishment of a new AI Office of Ireland in 2026, an independent statutory entity which will be the central coordinating authority for the EU AI Act, will be a major milestone. One of the key functions of the office will be promoting safe AI innovation and adoption across the economy and society.