Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
348. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Enterprise Ireland's approach to ensuring some level of digital sovereignty for Ireland and the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5235/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s approach to digital sovereignty emphasises openness, international cooperation, and evidence-based risk management. Ireland supports maintaining the EU’s access to trusted non-EU providers, recognising that partnership is essential for innovation in emerging areas such as AI and quantum. Preserving the EU’s openness to trade and investment is vital to competitiveness, while proportionate, risk-based measures ensure security, uphold the Single Market, and reduce strategic dependencies.
Domestically, a key approach to strengthening digital sovereignty is through the Government’s commitment to broad digitalisation and AI adoption across the economy and society. The update of the National Digital and AI Strategy, which is a commitment of the Programme for Government, will be an important step in achieving this ambition. Enhancing digital skills, digital connectivity and infrastructure, the digitalisation of public services, and driving digitalisation and AI adoption in enterprises of all sizes, are recognised prerequisites to long-term competitiveness and sovereignty.
At European level, Ireland has recently signed the Declaration for European Digital Sovereignty, joining fellow European Union Member States in a commitment to strengthen Europe's ability to act independently and competitively while remaining open to global competition. The Declaration establishes a common framework for enhancing Europe's digital capabilities while preserving access to open markets, interoperability, and international collaboration with partners who share European values.
Finally, Ireland is also an active member of the D9+ group of digitally advanced EU Member States. This group provides a valuable forum for sharing best practices, deepening international relationships, and supporting Europe’s global leadership in digital transformation. In line with the D9+ Ministerial Declaration adopted in March 2025 in Amsterdam, Ireland has supported calls for increasing the EU’s digital competitiveness and tech sovereignty in an open manner. This means having the ability to act autonomously on the world stage and in line with our values, while reaping the benefits of collaboration with global partners when possible. Ireland will continue this work in close cooperation with partner countries, including in preparation for the upcoming Irish presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of the 2026.
