Written Answers Nos. 172-192
172. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of jobs IDA Ireland expects to attract in 2026; the number of jobs attracted in each of the preceding five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45588/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraForeign Direct Investment is a key element of our economic strategy, with investments by IDA Ireland client companies consistently generating highly skilled jobs nationwide. In 2025, 1,880 IDA client companies were directly employing more than 312,000 people in Ireland, the fourth consecutive year numbers employed by IDA client-companies was over 300,000, reflecting a mature, stable, resilient FDI sector. Ireland’s success in attracting and retaining FDI has had a range of direct and indirect impacts. An estimated 8 jobs are supported in the wider economy for every 10 jobs created by IDA clients.
Central to IDA Ireland's current strategy, ‘Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025-29' is an emphasis on partnering with existing clients increase the competitiveness of their Irish operations and safeguard and strengthen long-term investment in Ireland through investment in research, development & innovation digitalisation, talent development and sustainability. The strategy also aims to attract new investment in the key future-orientated sectors of digitalisation and AI, semiconductors, health, and sustainability.
During the lifetime of this strategy, IDA Ireland is aiming to secure 1,000 investments, create 75,000 jobs and upskill 40,000 people. The first year of this strategy, 2025, saw IDA Ireland achieving the highest ever number of investments, 323, a 38% increase on 2024, which are expected to create over 15,300 new jobs, a 14% uplift on the previous year.
Between 2021-2025 IDA clients committed to a job creation of over 92,000 jobs within projects approved in the same period as outlined in the table below. IDA Ireland will announce its mid-year 2026 results in early July.
|
Year |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Job approvals, IDA Ireland Clients |
20,407 |
23,912 |
18,976 |
13,495 |
15,319 |
IDA continues to promote Ireland as a world leader in FDI opportunities and supports. The strategy places strong emphasis on innovation, talent development, and sustainability to ensure that businesses in Ireland remain competitive and future focused. Balanced regional development also remains a key priority, ensuring that the benefits of FDI are shared widely across the country. IDA Ireland will continue to work closely with stakeholders and clients to ensure the creation of high-quality jobs and to support a balanced and sustainable distribution of economic benefits across all regions of the country.
Finally, I would like to assure the Deputy that the Government is fully aware of the competitiveness challenge the country faces as it competes for foreign direct investment. We are taking the necessary steps to position Ireland for the future, and we will continue to place costs, planning, energy, infrastructure and RD&I at the centre of our forward-looking policy making, all reflected in policy commitments in the new Programme for Government, the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity and NDP priorities.
173. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether he has considered the findings of recent National Youth Council of Ireland's research highlighting concerns regarding AI-driven job displacement; whether he will examine the case for a structured National AI Workforce Transition Programme to proactively support affected workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45506/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the report referred to by the Deputy, including the recommendations relating to job displacement and supports for affected workers.
Government policy, including measures to support workers to navigate and mitigate the impacts of potential job displacement, is clearly set out in the recently published National Digital & AI Strategy, Digital Ireland –Connecting our People, Securing our Future.
Central to Digital Ireland is a commitment to support workers in this transition by ensuring access to fit-for-purpose and high-quality upskilling and reskilling opportunities.
My colleague James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation is leading on a range of initiatives. Minister Lawless recently held the first National Skills Roundtable, marking the beginning of a national programme of high-level engagements focused on ensuring Ireland has the right skills for a rapidly changing economy. This will include a series of sector-specific meetings with employers and industry representative bodies to gain deeper insight into priority skills needs.
Since Digital Ireland was published in February, a new online platform for AI skills has been launched. AIready.ie will support early inclusive skills development, an approach strongly reinforced by ESRI and Central Bank research on AI, skills and labour market disruption.
SOLAS and the educational training boards, ETBs, have developed short flexible courses, including micro-qualifications focused on Al awareness, applied skills and career transition opportunities. Many courses are free or heavily subsidised through the Springboard+ programme.
Further deliverables include a nationwide Digital and AI skilling campaign and a Roadmap for Technology Skills of the Future. A new National Skills Observatory will also be established to provide data and insights on labour market trends and skills needs.
Under the EU AI Act, providers and deployers of AI systems (e.g. companies and public bodies) must ensure that their employees, contractors and other relevant individuals have a sufficient level of AI literacy. To this end, my Department worked with CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for AI to develop an online AI literacy training course “AI for You: Introduction to AI and the EU AI Act”. This course is available free of cost to all citizens and enterprises and is designed to introduce the fundamentals of AI in an accessible way.
Finally, Ireland has a robust legislative framework in place which provides important safeguards for employees who may be impacted by redundancy. This includes:
• The right to a statutory redundancy payment for eligible employees with more than 2 years’ service with their employer.
• Entitlement to a certain level of minimum notice prior to dismissal.
• Protection against unfair dismissals for employees with more than 1 year’s service with their employer.
• Enhanced protections where collective redundancies are proposed, including a 30-day information and consultation process with the employees’ representatives. The consultation should include the possibility of avoiding the proposed redundancies, reducing the number of employees effected or mitigating their consequences.
• Recourse to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) where an employee believes their employment rights have been breached.
174. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the current scaling-up supports in place for domestic companies; any additional measures being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45480/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through Enterprise Ireland, plays a central role in supporting the scaling of indigenous Irish enterprises, with a strong focus on export growth, productivity and international competitiveness.
A comprehensive range of supports is already in place for companies at all stages of their scaling journey. These include financial supports such as grants for research, development and innovation, as well as equity investment and access to venture capital through Enterprise Ireland and its Seed and Venture Capital Schemes. Targeted initiatives, including the Agile Innovation Fund, also assist companies to respond to market opportunities and expand their operations.
In addition, Enterprise Ireland provides strategic advisory supports through dedicated client advisors, alongside leadership and management development programmes such as Leadership 4 Growth and Scaling for International Growth. Supports are also available to enhance productivity and competitiveness, including lean initiatives, digitalisation supports and assistance to adopt new technologies.
To support international scaling, Enterprise Ireland offers extensive export and market development assistance through its global office network, trade missions and in-market expertise. It also promotes innovation and collaboration through engagement with research centres and partnerships.
In terms of investment, Enterprise Ireland invested almost €50 million in 275 firms in 2025, an increase of approximately 14 per cent on the previous year, with these firms raising over €250 million in total investment. A new multi-stage investment strategy enables greater support for scaling companies.
Looking ahead, my Department announced a €250 million Seed and Venture Capital Scheme for 2025 to 2029, representing a 42 per cent increase on the previous cycle.
My Department is also currently exploring longer term policy measures that will incentivise institutional investor participation in the financing of scaling Irish enterprise. This is a priority action of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity and is necessary to support the development of a self-sustaining venture capital market that provides adequate scaling finance to domestic firms.
In this context, officials in my Department are examining the barriers that currently constrain investment by pension funds and other institutional investors and are exploring concrete and targeted policy actions to address those issues. In parallel, my Department is engaging with relevant stakeholders and reviewing international initiatives that have successfully unlocked institutional investment in enterprise growth, with a view to informing policy development in the Irish context.
Further initiatives include the work of the Halo Business Angel Network and Enterprise Ireland’s Scaling Finance team, which supports companies in accessing international investors. In addition, Enterprise Ireland is developing a new flagship scaling programme, Atlas, to strengthen leadership, governance and long-term growth capability in ambitious Irish firms.
This Government will continue to build on this strong suite of supports to ensure Irish companies can scale successfully and compete globally.
175. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on plans for a possible replacement industry pending the announced closure of a company (details supplied). [45344/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October 2025, Merck announced the proposed closure of its facility in Arklow, Co. Wicklow. The company has informed IDA Ireland that the closure is scheduled to take place by the end of 2028.
IDA Ireland has established internal processes for dealing with potential and actual job loss situations with its client companies. This involves proactive engagement with site leadership of the company and its parent company to explore options to avoid and/or minimise any job losses.
IDA Ireland is engaged with the company both at a site level in Arklow and at their German headquarters in order to achieve the best outcome for the site, and will be exploring all options with the company.
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 announcement.
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.
In terms of potential replacement industry, IDA Ireland continues to actively promote the Mid-East Region, including Arklow, as a location for foreign direct investment. This includes marketing IDA-owned lands and buildings in the area, such as the IDA Arklow Business and Technology Park in Ballynattin, to prospective investors. These efforts focus on positioning the location for new investment, having regard to its regional connectivity, available workforce and existing industrial base.
176. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the upcoming funding available under the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF); the way in which DTIF has previously supported climate action projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45567/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) is a challenge-based Fund established under Project Ireland 2040. It is managed by my Department and administered by Enterprise Ireland.
The Fund seeks to invest in the development and deployment of disruptive technologies and applications on a commercial basis, drive collaboration between Ireland’s world-class research base and industry, facilitate enterprises to compete directly for funding in support of the development and adoption of these technologies and seed a new wave of start-ups.
The Fund is for clients of Enterprise Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta, IDA Ireland and research performing organisations in the State that are collaborating on industrial research and / or experimental development in highly innovative projects that address areas such as ICT; health and wellbeing; food; energy, climate action and sustainability; manufacturing and materials; and services and business processes.
Under the seven DTIF Calls to date, over €530 million in funding has been awarded to 131 projects. The funding of €40 million for Call 8 that I announced last week will enable our innovative enterprise sector and our research community to engage on further ground-breaking research projects. Call 8 will encourage applications at the cutting edge of innovation, including in technological fields aligned with my Department's strategic policy focus, such as: semiconductors; life sciences; AI; and tourism.
Over the seven DTIF calls to date, a total of 12 projects were focused specifically on the energy, climate action and sustainability area. These were collectively awarded funding totalling €34 million.
In addition, all DTIF projects are evaluated against four criteria, one of which relates to sustainability. The projects must therefore demonstrate positive contributions to the low carbon / sustainability targets in the Climate Action Plan and neither hinder the achievement of Ireland’s climate objectives nor have other significant negative environmental impacts.
177. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the current supports and investment being provided to promote tourism in east Galway under the Ireland's Hidden Heartlands initiative; the plans to enhance tourism development and visitor numbers in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45638/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland both play an important role in promoting tourism at regional and national level. Responsibility for regional tourism development and promotion lies with Fáilte Ireland. East County Galway is encompassed Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands Regional Tourism Development Strategy for 2023–2027. Aligned with that Strategy, Fáilte Ireland is developing a series of Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs). These are five-year sustainable tourism development plans, developed collaboratively with public and private partners, setting out agreed actions across relevant stakeholders.
I am pleased to say that a DEDP specifically for East Galway is due to be completed in early 2027. The first working group meeting was held last November. More recently a community workshop was held in Ballinasloe, and local drop-in clinics have taken place across East Galway.
As part of that process, Fáilte Ireland has engaged directly with local stakeholders, including through working group meetings, a community workshop held in Ballinasloe in May 2026 and local drop-in clinics across East Galway. These sessions are intended to draw out project ideas, identify gaps in the visitor experience and ensure that the plan reflects local knowledge. In parallel, Fáilte Ireland has worked with Galway County Council and tourism businesses on a dedicated East Galway tourism map, which has now been finalised and distributed for use by industry ahead of the 2026 summer season. The map is designed to help businesses cross-promote attractions, activities and experiences, and to make it easier for visitors to discover more of the area.
Fáilte Ireland is also supporting industry development and collaboration through initiatives such as the East Galway Tourism Networking Event. The first event, held in 2025, brought together 40 local tourism businesses and was delivered in partnership with Galway County Council. It provided a forum for operators to share information, build referral links and consider how local experiences can be packaged and promoted more effectively. A further networking event is planned for later in 2026, after the summer season, to maintain momentum and support continued cooperation across the local tourism sector.
Investment is also being provided through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, supported by the Government and the EU Just Transition Fund. Approximately €1.2 million has been allocated to eight projects across the East Galway area. This funding is intended to support projects that can enhance place-based tourism, strengthen local communities, improve the quality of visitor experiences and contribute to a more sustainable and balanced tourism economy.
In terms of increasing visitor numbers, East Galway will benefit from national and regional marketing activity under the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands brand. On the domestic marketing front, we are taking clear and targeted action. In March 2026, Fáilte Ireland launched a national campaign, “Find Yourself on a Short Break”, which is designed to stimulate that domestic demand and encourage more frequent short breaks across the country. Initiatives such as this campaign will be central to delivering the 7% average annual growth in domestic tourism targeted in the Policy Statement I published late last year 'A New Era for Irish Tourism'.
Tourism Ireland also works with key air and partners – including airlines serving Ireland West Airport – to stimulate demand for strategic routes that bring inbound visitors. This May, Tourism Ireland organised a B2B workshop and networking event that was attended by Galway County Council and 25 tourism companies from the West of Ireland – including Ahascragh Distillery and Brackloon Castle and Farm, both based in East Galway. At that event companies had the opportunity to connect with around 60 leading Italian tour operators, travel agents and journalists.
Furthermore, earlier this year I confirmed €623,250 in funding to 31 local authorities, including County Galway, under the 2026 Regional Festivals Fund which will support approximately 250 festivals across the country. The announcement also included the introduction of a new dedicated 2026 Food Festival Fund, totalling €310,000, which is designed to strengthen food festivals and support Ireland’s evolving culinary tourism offering. The 2026 Regional Festivals Fund allocation represents an increase on 2025 levels, ensuring that every local authority now receives a minimum of €10,000 to support local festival activity.
Taken together, the East Galway Destination Experience Development Plan, the local tourism map, networking activity, targeted investment and marketing campaigns will help improve the visitor proposition, extend the season, support local businesses and attract more visitors to East Galway. I will continue to support the work of Fáilte Ireland and Galway County Council in developing tourism in the region under Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
178. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the role of his Department in the promotion of Irish business and State agency interests abroad through the Ireland houses diplomatic initiative; the engagement his Department has had to date with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the establishment of new Ireland houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45634/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment my Department works closely with our agencies to support the promotion of Irish business with the goal of securing high-level market access for companies based in Ireland that are aiming to grow business overseas and increase domestic employment, and for showcasing opportunities for foreign direct investment in support of high-quality jobs and regional development throughout Ireland.
My Department is supportive of the development of Ireland Houses and one of my senior officials sits on the Ireland House High Level Oversight Committee to deliver on the ambitions outlined in the Action Plan on Market Diversification. I recently visited Ireland House in New York and can see the value that it adds to the coordination and cooperation between agencies to benefit enterprise and tourism development.
Agencies and bodies under the remit of my Department with oversea offices IDA , EI and Tourism Ireland work collaboratively with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the selection of locations which match the individual operational objectives for the establishment of an Ireland House location. The decision to join an Ireland House project are guided by respective policy objectives as agreed by their boards taking into account agreed Government policy.
179. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will outline Ireland's position at recent meetings of the EU REACH Committee regarding restrictions on use of lead ammunition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44960/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRestrictions made under the REACH Regulation are designed for the protection of human health and the environment from exposure to harmful chemicals. These restrictions can range from outright bans to limitations on specific uses. Restriction proposals are presented by the European Commission based on scientific opinions prepared by the European Chemicals Agency.
Ireland is represented at the REACH Committee meetings for matters within the remit of my Department by the Health and Safety Authority, an agency under the aegis of my Department. Where a matter falls outside my Department’s policy responsibility, the lead Department assists in formulating Ireland’s position and attends the relevant REACH Committee discussions. In such cases, it also votes on Ireland’s behalf.
The proposed restriction on lead ammunition, which mainly affects hunting and sport shooting, falls outside my Department’s remit. The proposal is intended primarily to reduce lead pollution from spent ammunition and to protect wild birds, hunters and their families from the harmful effects of lead exposure.
Accordingly, my Department has engaged with the relevant bodies responsible for these policy areas, including:
* The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment;
* The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);
* The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage;
* The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS);
* The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; and
* The Department of Justice.
These bodies are responsible for establishing Ireland’s position on the proposal.
While my Department has met with stakeholders, the Irish position on this proposal can only be informed by the bodies with responsibility for hunting, firearms and the protection of wildlife. It would also be the responsibility of these bodies to carry out consultations and stakeholder engagement to assess the potential impact of the proposal on Ireland.
Officials in my Department continue to circulate to relevant Departments and agencies material received for REACH Committee meetings where the agenda includes the draft restriction on lead in ammunition.
To date, draft versions of the proposed restriction have been discussed at the confidential REACH Committee meetings held in February, April, June and December 2025, and in February and April 2026. The draft agendas, draft measures and summary records of REACH Committee meetings are publicly available through the Comitology Register.
Discussions are expected to continue at the June 2026 REACH Committee meeting and may continue beyond that until a proposal capable of securing support from a majority of EU Member States is agreed. No Member State vote was called on the proposal at REACH Committee meetings held to date.
180. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will comment on the development of the European Digital Omnibus particularly the recent agreement which may allow high-risk systems to operate uncategorised to December 2027 or August 2028; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38320/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and welcome the opportunity to provide an update in relation to the development of the European Digital Omnibus on AI.
The Digital Omnibus on AI introduces targeted amendments to address practical implementation challenges identified by stakeholders. These changes are designed to:
• increase legal certainty for businesses, regulators and citizens
• reduce compliance costs and administrative burdens
• support innovation while maintaining strong safeguards
Ireland welcomes the provisional agreement reached on 7 May between the co-legislators – the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union – on the Digital Omnibus on AI.
Regulation plays an important role in ensuring markets operate fairly and in protecting consumers and it is essential that such regulation is proportionate and targeted to its objectives, protecting citizens while promoting innovation and competition.
The Digital Omnibus on AI strikes a balance by simplifying and clarifying the EU AI Act, while maintaining clear and predictable safeguards. By reducing unnecessary barriers to investment and innovation, we can unlock the growth opportunities created by rapid technological change.
The provisional agreement introduces a fixed timeline for the application of high-risk rules: the new application dates would be 2 December 2027 for stand-alone high-risk AI systems and 2 August 2028 for high-risk AI systems embedded in products. The adjusted timelines for applying rules on high-risk AI systems ensure the rules start to apply once the Commission confirms the needed standards and tools are available, thereby increasing certainty for businesses, regulators and citizens.
Furthermore, the provisional agreement reinstates the obligation for providers to register AI systems in the EU database for high-risk systems, where they consider their systems to be exempted from classification as high-risk. It also reinstates the standard of strict necessity for the processing of special categories of personal data for the purpose of ensuring bias detection and correction.
The provisional agreement moves the regulation of AI systems used as safety components in Machinery products out of the scope of the AI Act, but transfers requirements from the AI Act to machinery specific regulations. Thereby maintaining protections.
The agreement also introduces the explicit prohibition of the AI-generated production of non-consensual intimate images and child sexual abuse material. Ireland, alongside fellow Member States, was a strong advocate for this additional but vital protection.
The provisional agreement must be now endorsed by the Council and the European Parliament before being submitted to a legal/linguistic revision with a view to the formal adoption of the legislative act by the co-legislators in the coming weeks.
181. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the key issues discussed and the main themes arising from Ireland's participation in the recent D9+ ministerial meeting; the way in which these discussions will inform Ireland's priorities in advance of its forthcoming EU Presidency [45507/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinister of State Niamh Smyth represented Ireland at the Digital 9+ (D9+) Ministerial Meeting in Luxembourg on 8 June. The meeting, chaired by Luxembourg, centred on the European competitiveness agenda, with Ministers engaging in strategic discussions on how to accelerate Europe’s digital transition.
The key issues discussed fell under three broad themes.
First, Ministers considered digital sovereignty in an open manner, focusing on how Europe can reduce critical technological dependencies while strengthening its own digital capabilities. This included discussion on boosting public-private partnerships, supporting competitive EU-based suppliers, and scaling up investment in strategically important technologies, while maintaining an open and globally engaged approach.
Second, there was a strong emphasis on regulatory simplification. Ministers examined ways to advance an ambitious, evidence-based simplification agenda, including short-term measures and longer-term reforms. The objective is to embed a “simplification-by-design” approach in EU legislation, while maintaining appropriate safeguards and ensuring coherence across the digital regulatory framework.
Third, Ministers discussed online safety, with a particular focus on ensuring a safer and age-appropriate digital environment for minors. This included consideration of a more unified EU approach combining regulation, technological solutions such as age verification, effective enforcement, and digital literacy measures.
These discussions were reflected in the agreed “Luxembourg Declaration”, which captures the shared priorities of the D9+ group across digital sovereignty, simplification, and online safety, all framed within the wider goal of enhancing European competitiveness.
Ireland’s participation in the meeting, and its endorsement of the Luxembourg Declaration alongside the other D9+ Member States, will directly inform its approach as it prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In particular, the discussions provide a clear and aligned policy framework that Ireland can leverage to advance forward-looking digital priorities at EU level. This includes driving progress on competitiveness, supporting innovation and investment in key technologies, promoting a more streamlined regulatory environment, and strengthening protections for users online.
More broadly, the D9+ format, as an informal grouping, enables open and constructive engagement among like-minded Member States. This helps build consensus and shared ambition, which will support Ireland in progressing these priorities effectively during its forthcoming Presidency.
182. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the communications his Department has had with the CCPC following the announcement of Ireland's second largest ticket selling platform going into liquidation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45613/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra198. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department is aware that Ireland's second largest ticket selling website has gone into liquidation and has left event organisers out of large amounts of money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45612/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 198 together.
I am aware of the reported liquidation of tickets.ie. This is a matter for the company and the appointed liquidator under the relevant statutory framework. The focus now is on ensuring that affected consumers and creditors are aware of the steps they can take and the options available to them based on their rights where relevant under consumer protection and company law.
The State’s liquidation process is a well-established mechanism for the winding up of companies on both a voluntary and compulsory basis, and can take the form of either a court-ordered insolvent liquidation or a voluntary solvent or insolvent liquidation.
Any appointed liquidator is independent in their role and the exercise of their duties. They have a statutory role to identify, take possession of and redistribute the assets to the creditors. To do so, the liquidator must realise the value of the assets for the benefit of the insolvency estate. The Government cannot intervene in this process.
Consumers who have purchased tickets for events via tickets.ie can engage with the event organiser to seek clarity on the status of their purchase. Creditors such as businesses who are owed debts by the company should engage with the appointed liquidator. Further information is expected to be made available through the appointed liquidator and relevant consumer information channels.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory body with responsibility for promoting compliance with, and enforcing, competition and consumer law in Ireland. The CCPC is independent in the performance of its statutory functions. The CCPC does not have a role in insolvency or liquidation processes, both of which fall outside its statutory remit.
The CCPC does have a role in providing information and guidance to consumers on their rights. In this regard, CCPC has published advice on its website for those affected by company closures and liquidations, including practical steps that may be taken.
Further assistance can be obtained through contacting the CCPC’s national consumer helpline at ask@ccpc.ie or on 01 402 5555.
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 fhreagraA 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.
184. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when he expects to receive a report from the Cost of Business Advisory Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45433/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Cost of Business Advisory Forum was established in June 2025 as part of the current Programme for Government’s commitment to reduce business costs and alleviating regulatory burdens. The Forum is a tripartite collaboration, of enterprise representative bodies from a range of sectors including retail, tourism, agrifood, exports, professional services and multinational firms, and senior representatives from Government departments, State agencies and Economic regulators.
The Forum’s primary objective has been to examine key cost drivers and regulatory frameworks, such as energy costs, insurance and legal costs, water and wastewater service, infrastructure and planning, tax administration and regulatory compliance and assess the impact of rising costs and regulatory pressures on businesses in Ireland.
The Forums consultative phase has now concluded, the independent report and its recommendations are being finalised and will be presented to Government in the coming weeks. These recommendations are considered to address issues that merit a changed approach, and those steps that can be taken to mitigate issues to ensure businesses navigating today’s economic landscape remain competitive, and resilient.
185. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to ensure that there is increased resources and public expenditure directed towards State bodies that regulate the rapidly expanding AI industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40662/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act is an EU regulation that came into force on 2 August 2024 and is directly applicable throughout the EU. Its provisions will be introduced gradually over a 36-month period following its entry into force.
The Act aims to ensure a high level of protection for individuals’ health, safety, and fundamental rights, while supporting the development and uptake of human-centric and trustworthy AI. It establishes a harmonised regulatory framework for AI systems that are placed on the market or used within the EU.
Ireland will adopt a distributed model of implementation of the EU AI Act, building on the capacity and expertise of established sectoral regulators. Ireland’s decision to utilise a distributed model of existing sectoral regulators means Ireland is well placed to leverage existing experienced and established resources and operations in the first instance, and then build on that robust and effective capacity as needed for subsequent years, in line with the AI Act's staggered timeline of enforcement.
As part of the estimates process, work is ongoing by the national competent authorities and their respective Departments to determine the appropriate level of financial resourcing required to ensure the effective fulfilment of Ireland’s obligations from the enforcement commencement date.
The AI Office of Ireland will act as the central coordinating authority for the implementation of the AI Act in the State, ensuring that all relevant authorities and stakeholders are aligned in their interpretation and application of the Regulation.
While the Office will help facilitate coordination among regulators, the enforcement of the AI Act will remain the responsibility of the designated sectoral regulators. However, the Office will host a centralised pool of technical expertise in AI technologies as well as legal and regulatory affairs providing market surveillance authorities and other authorities with access to a framework of expertise to support them in fulfilling their mandates. The AI Act required Member States to report, by 2 August 2025, on the status of the financial and human resource capacity of national competent authorities. This reporting must be completed every two years. Ireland submitted the first required report last August following consultation with the competent authorities and relevant Government departments, through the National AI Act Implementation Committee.
My Department secured €1.5 million in Budget 2026 to implement the start-up phase of the National AI Office. Additional resources will be sought as part of the 2027 Budget process as the National AI Office scales and grows.
186. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the additional supports he is considering to assist with the development of hotels in rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45438/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government recognises the vital role that tourism plays in Ireland’s economy and in sustaining vibrant communities across the country. A strong, sustainable and regionally balanced accommodation sector is fundamental to maintaining a competitive and resilient tourism offering. The availability and quality of accommodation are central to the visitor experience, perceptions of value for money, and the overall strength of the tourism ecosystem, supporting businesses of all sizes.
The forthcoming Tourist Accommodation Strategy, a key commitment under A New Era for Irish Tourism, will provide a clear framework to strengthen, diversify and expand Ireland’s accommodation base. This will be achieved both through optimising the use of existing infrastructure and facilitating appropriate new development.
The Strategy will seek to improve access to tourist accommodation across a range of price points, support development in areas with untapped tourism potential, and promote balanced regional growth that delivers sustainable, year-round economic benefits.
In developing the Strategy, a public consultation was held between 27 April and 29 May 2026, that invited contributions from members of the public, industry stakeholders and other interested parties. A total of 299 submissions were received, and officials in my Department are currently analysing these responses with a view to publishing a summary report. The insights gathered will help inform the development of a strategy aimed at ensuring that Ireland has a sufficient supply of diverse and appropriately dispersed high-quality accommodation to meet future demand.
The Strategy will also examine measures to address seasonal demand pressures, strengthen Ireland’s competitiveness as a tourism destination, and support positive outcomes for local communities. In addition, it will consider the contribution of tourist accommodation to realising environmental and climate objectives, as well as its role in supporting business travel, events and other non-leisure tourism activities.
187. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on his engagements with stakeholders in relation to Dunguaire Castle in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44949/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI attended a constructive meeting last December regarding Dunguaire Castle, with local representatives along with representatives of my Department, Fáilte Ireland, Galway County Council and the Department of Transport.
Fáilte Ireland provides supports to owners of cultural and heritage properties to support the development of their tourism offerings. Their objective is to enhance the visitor experience while safeguarding the cultural and historical significance of this exceptional landmark. At present, there are no suitable capital grant schemes open that could fund a project of the type that would be required in the case of Dunguaire Castle. When an appropriate new scheme becomes available, a funding application could be submitted by the current owners (Shannon Airport Group), provided all scheme criteria are met.
The question of bringing Dunguaire Castle into State ownership does not fall within the remit of my Department. Responsibility for determining the appropriate statutory designation, ownership pathway and future custodianship of the property rests with the relevant heritage and local government authorities. In the first instance, this is a matter for Galway County Council and for my colleague Minister Browne, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, including consideration of whether the property should be designated as a national monument. Such a designation could, in turn, provide a basis for any subsequent transfer of ownership or management to the Office of Public Works, subject to that Office determining that such a transfer is appropriate and within its functions.
In the meantime I can assure the Deputy that my Department continues to work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to explore and advance opportunities for harnessing the tourism potential of State-owned lands, heritage sites, and cultural assets, and that Fáilte Ireland remains open to engaging with relevant stakeholders for this project to explore future possibilities for this property should its ownership or designation status change.
188. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps he is taking to bolster the tourism potential of County Mayo. [45650/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for regional tourism development and promotion lies with Fáilte Ireland. Mayo is included in Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023–2027, which provides a roadmap for sustainable and regenerative tourism development. The strategy is focused on unlocking the commercial potential of the region while ensuring that growth benefits local communities and protects the natural environment.
Fáilte Ireland is supporting destination planning throughout Mayo. The Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan, launched in 2021 is now in its fifth year of implementation, with 122 actions complete or in progress as of June 2026. A Wild Mayo Destination and Experience Development Plan for North Mayo and Erris was launched on 1st May 2026, while an Inland Mayo plan is scheduled for completion in Quarter 4 2026. These plans will support projects such as the Clew Bay Bike Trail, the Grace O’Malley Trail, Croagh Patrick visitor improvements, Céide Coastal Path, Wild Nephin National Park, and the further development of the Great Western Greenway.
Mayo is also benefitting from targeted investment in outdoor and activity tourism. Under Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth Investment Scheme, Mayo County Council is developing state-of-the-art facilities for water-based activities at Keel, Achill Island, and Carrowmore Beach, Louisburgh. These facilities will provide changing, shower, storage, orientation and accessible facilities which are due to open in Quarter 3 2026. Fáilte Ireland continue to support Mayo County Council with Visitor management and sustainable development work at Keem Bay on Achill Island, while a new visitor management and placemaking plan is being developed for Keel Village on Achill Island.
Heritage, culture and island experiences are also being strengthened in Mayo. Investment at the Céide Fields, supported by Fáilte Ireland, the OPW and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has delivered a modern visitor centre for one of the world’s most extensive Stone Age monuments. Fáilte Ireland has supported new island-hopping and cycling experiences, including the Clew Bay Bike Trail and Atlantic Island Escapes linking Inishturk and Clare Island.
Business capability and marketing are central to this work. The "Digital that Delivers" programme has provided over €2,115,421 in supports to 43 Mayo businesses to date, comprising of investment grants and direct supports such as diagnostics, mentoring and training. Furthermore, Fáilte Ireland’s Champions Programme ran in Ballina and Westport in May 2026 to strengthen customer service, local knowledge and accessible tourism.
In March 2026, Fáilte Ireland launched a new domestic campaign, Find Yourself on a Short Break, designed to increase demand for short breaks in Ireland and support more balanced, year-round tourism. Grounded in extensive national research, the campaign recognises that people across all life stages are seeking opportunities to pause, reset and briefly step away from the pressures of daily life. Domestic travellers increasingly want shorter, meaningful breaks that offer ease, connection and a chance to recharge when life is most hectic. Throughout 2026, the campaign is being brought to life across advertising, partnerships, publicity, digital and social channels, highlighting the range of experiences around the country that support the restorative power of a short break.
Festivals and events continue to support regional dispersal and off-season tourism. Mayo has received support for Mayo Dark Skies, Westport Sea2Summit, regional festivals and food festival activity. Taken together, these measures represent a comprehensive programme of investment, destination development, enterprise support and marketing to bolster Mayo’s tourism potential.
Finally, In March I confirmed €623,250 in funding to 31 local authorities under the 2026 Regional Festivals Fund, which will support approximately 250 festivals across the country. This announcement also included the introduction of a new, dedicated 2026 Food Festival Fund, totalling €310,000, which is designed to strengthen food festivals and support Ireland’s evolving culinary tourism offering. Under this allocation, Mayo County Council, as part of the Wild Atlantic Way programme, will receive €32,500 in Fáilte Ireland regional festival funding, along with an additional €10,000 specifically allocated for food festival support.
189. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures being taken to simplify regulation and improve the ease of doing business in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45440/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra201. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is pursuing any initiatives to reduce red tape for SME’s in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45636/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 201 together.
The Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity was published in September 2025. It is a commitment in the Programme for Government which focuses on the economic areas that fall within our domestic sphere of influence. The Action Plan contains 85 actions for enhancing our competitiveness and productivity performance, with 26 of these identified as priority actions. Actions are set out across six themes with one of them being ‘regulating for growth and controlling costs’. This theme aims to ameliorate the regulatory costs faced by Irish businesses. Ireland lags behind the average of the five best performing OECD countries, particularly in the area of licences and permits. Delays stemming from the courts system in relation to dispute resolution have also been flagged as a drag on competitiveness.
The Plan identifies three areas for improved performance spanning better regulation, licensing and permitting and the legal and courts system. Actions are proposed to implement licensing decision deadlines for the Environmental Protection Agency, introduce a ‘Red Tape Challenge’ across Government to significantly reduce regulation for SMEs and to implement the recommendations from the Review of the Administration of Civil Justice Report amongst others. Each action is assigned to a government department or agency which will have responsibility for its delivery within a specified time-period.
The Cost of Business Advisory Forum was established in June 2025 delivering on a commitment in the Programme for Government. The Forum’s primary objective has been to examine key cost drivers and regulatory frameworks, such as energy costs, insurance and legal costs, water and wastewater service, infrastructure and planning, tax administration and regulatory compliance, and assess the impact of rising costs and regulatory pressures on businesses in Ireland.
The February 2026 meeting of the Forum focused on tax administration and regulatory burdens; Forum members highlighted that excessive and overly complex reporting and compliance obligations have a cost to businesses. The Forum members suggested that to guarantee the stability, robustness and competitiveness of the Irish economy, several areas would benefit from the streamlining of regulation and compliance. The Forums report, due to be published, includes recommendations to address these issues. Members also welcomed Government’s commitment to reducing regulatory burdens but suggested there is still room for improvement.
The Forums consultative phase has now concluded, this independent report and its recommendations are being finalised and will be presented to Government in the coming weeks. These recommendations are considered 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 competitive and resilient.
I would like to assure that my Department is committed to backing businesses and will ensure the actions aimed at supporting small businesses in the Programme for Government are implemented in an effective and timely manner. In 2025, I updated the Government on the significant progress that my department has made in reducing red tape and simplifying processes for small businesses. I urge all government departments and agencies to follow suit and eliminate unnecessary administrative burdens that hinder enterprise growth.
190. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is seeking advice or acting on the dangers and potential harms of social media algorithms; and if he has sought to ensure algorithm transparency in the development and outcomes of algorithm usage for consumers. [33367/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnhancing and putting protective measures in place in relation to online safety, in particular for children and young people, is a whole of Government priority.
In Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán is now firmly established at the heart of the Online Safety Framework, which comprises the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, the EU Digital Services Act and the EU Terrorist Content Online Regulation.
The EU Digital Services Act (DSA) in particular, contains provisions that specifically address recommender systems.
Platforms must explain in plain language, the main parameters their systems use to suggest content to users and provide options for users to change or influence these parameters.
Additionally, Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) that use recommender systems must allow users, including minors, the option to use recommender systems that do not rely on profiling.
Providers of online platforms are obliged to put in place measures to ensure a high level of privacy, safety, and security of minors, on their service, including a ban on adverts based on profiling when the user is a minor.
These online platforms and engines must conduct a yearly assessment to identify and mitigate potential systemic risks associated with the design of their recommender systems. They must then put in place effective mitigation measures to address these systemic risks. To assist with enforcement of these obligations, the European Commission established the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency (ECAT). The Centre provides technical expertise, scientific research, and foresight on emerging risks to support the Commission's exclusive supervisory and enforcement role of the systemic obligations on VLOPs/VLOSEs.
The Joint Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport report in relation to improving online safety on online platforms recognises the sound foundation provided by the DSA and the Online Safety Code and notes the investigations under the DSA that have been taken by Coimisiún na Meán. The European Commission also has investigations ongoing into the use of Recommender Algorithms by a number of online platforms. This is EU regulation in action.
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. In this context, the EU Audio Visual Media Services Directive, which is the basis for Ireland's Online Safety Code, is currently being evaluated and further measures are likely to be proposed at European level.
Online safety is under the remit of the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport and his Department are currently assessing the 10 recommendations set out in the Committee’s report, with a view to identifying and engaging the various Departments that will have a role in considering next steps. My officials will work closely with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport in that regard.
191. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to consider the development of region-specific labour market monitoring, including Cork county, as part of a labour market tracking mechanism to identify emerging risks by AI in real time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45646/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is continuously monitoring the labour market and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has grown immeasurably in importance over the last number of years and we have published important work in this area.
For example, research from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) published last year – titled ‘How AI is transforming the Irish Labour Market’. This work highlights the speed at which Ireland is moving in relation to AI, noting both the strong demand for AI jobs but also a robust supply pipeline in relation to AI.
Ireland has 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 Irish labour market, and this bodes well for productivity, growth and incomes. That is not to say there are no risks and work also published in conjunction with the Department of Finance highlights that the labour market is highly exposed to AI given the composition of employment, 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.
We will continue to closely monitor AI related developments through research and day-to-day work.
In respect of county level or regional implications, we are closely watching Central Statistics Office (CSO) data on the labour market. I took close note of the first quarter labour force survey results. While job gains over the year to Q1 to 2026 were broadly flat, we are still at a very high level of employment at 2.8 million persons. The extent to which the recent slowdown in hiring is due to AI is as yet unclear.
In terms of the regional employment performance. The CSO numbers show that numbers at work in the South-West region increased by 2.2% in the year to Q1 2026 – ahead of the national average. In total, employment in the South-West increased by 8,800 jobs to reach 412,700, a strong performance.
I would also point to several projects underway within my department that will be informative in this regard.
The EGFSN is funding or co-funding AI related work, including a project on ‘Skills for Digital Specialists 2030’. I expect that this report will be published in the second 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.
My department also has a working relationship with the OECD on AI related research, and I expect this will continue this year.
