Erin McGreehan
Ceist:183. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which he is supporting companies to adapt to AI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45432/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 16 June 2026
Ceisteanna (183)
Freagraí scríofa
A key priority of the recently published National Digital and AI strategy - Digital Ireland: Connecting our People, Securing our Future, is to accelerate the adoption of digital ad AI technologies across our enterprise base.
AI presents a major opportunity to boost productivity and competitiveness, particularly for SMEs. My Department is focused on ensuring that businesses of all sizes can access the tools, expertise and skills needed to adopt AI in a practical and responsible way.
A range of supports is already in place to assist businesses at different stages of their digital and AI journey, including:
• The Grow Digital Voucher, providing up to €5,000 to help small businesses adopt digital tools, including AI;
• The Digital for Business Consultancy Scheme, which offers expert advice and tailored digital roadmaps;
• A network of European Digital Innovation Hubs, supported by €23 million in funding, providing hands-on support to test and deploy advanced technologies;
• A wide range of upskilling and reskilling programmes delivered through CeADAR, SOLAS, ETBs, Skillnet Ireland and Springboard+.
In addition, the recently launched AI – Good for Business initiative, provides a single, trusted national framework to support enterprises in adopting AI in a practical and ethical manner. As part of this, a series of nationwide roadshows, delivered in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices, is underway. The roadshows help demystify AI for SMEs by showcasing real-world applications and highlighting available supports.
Future plans include a targeted sectoral strategy for AI adoption, appointing AI Sector Champions through Enterprise Ireland, establishing an Observatory for Business AI Readiness (OBAIR), and continuing to review and strengthen SME supports to ensure they remain effective and accessible.
We are also putting in place a clear and supportive regulatory environment. Ireland is implementing the EU AI Act, and the establishment of the AI Office of Ireland will provide a central national contact point and greater regulatory clarity for businesses. The Office will also oversee an AI Regulatory Sandbox, enabling companies to safely test and develop innovative AI solutions.
My Department remains committed to ensuring that all businesses can adopt AI at a pace that suits their needs, supported by practical tools, strong advisory services and a clear, trusted framework.