Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
156. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the sectors being prioritised in the forthcoming sectoral strategy for enterprise adoption of AI; the criteria used to identify them; the expected timeline for publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30433/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has a clear ambition to drive increased enterprise adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in response to the rapid evolution of AI technologies, their applications and their growing economic impact.
AI is transforming industries at different speeds. As a result, enterprises across different sectors of the economy are experiencing varying levels of readiness, opportunity and challenge when it comes to deploying these technologies.
In that context, the development of a Sectoral Strategy for Enterprise Adoption of AI was included as a deliverable under Ireland’s recently published National Digital and AI Strategy, Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future.
My Department has initiated work on this sectoral strategy, which is intended to take a targeted and evidence-based approach to accelerating AI adoption across sectors of our enterprise base. It is envisaged that this strategy will represent the first phase of a broader programme of work to support AI adoption across the economy.
At this early stage, work has commenced to consider how AI may be relevant to enterprises across a number of sectors of the economy, and what role, if any, further policy focus, coordination and support might play in driving increased AI adoption.
The first tranche of sectors being focused upon are:
• Manufacturing;
• ICT Services;
• Tourism; and
• Construction.
Together, these sectors represent a substantial share of Ireland’s enterprise base and employment across micro, SME and large companies.
This approach will focus resources towards building evidence and insights quickly which can be leveraged in further work on sectors.
While the strategy development process is still at an early stage, it will be informed by a programme of research, analysis, and stakeholder engagement. This will ensure that it reflects the real specific needs, capabilities and barriers faced by sectors.
The strategy will also set out clear objectives and targets for AI adoption over time and will provide a detailed roadmap for delivery. This will help guide Government, stakeholders, and industry in driving meaningful progress and ensuring that Ireland remains competitive and innovative in the global AI landscape.
The current timeline for publication of the strategy is Q4 2026.
I believe this phased and evidence-led approach will allow us to build a robust and effective strategy for our sectors that supports innovation and competitiveness while remaining grounded in the practical realities faced by enterprise.
