Written Answers Nos. 193-209
193. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which gradual adoption of AI by businesses is being encouraged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45436/26]
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 and AI technologies across our enterprise base to improve competitiveness and productivity.
Central to this is the AI – Good for Business initiative, which serves as an umbrella framework for AI and digital transformation supports within my Department. The initiative supports Irish businesses adopting artificial intelligence into their day-to-day work, and will:
• simplify access to information and supports about AI.
• show how AI is used in practice with real business examples and case studies.
• encourage gradual adoption by building awareness, skills and readiness
This approach is practical and step-by-step, helping businesses take up AI at a pace that suits their needs and ability.
A national awareness campaign and Ministerial roadshow, delivered in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), is already underway. These roadshows are designed to demystify AI for SMEs by showcasing real-life business applications, demonstrating tangible benefits, and highlighting the practical supports available.
The roadshows also promote the Government’s Charter for Digital Inclusion, which encourages collaboration between large enterprises, SMEs and public bodies to build digital skills and address the digital divide.
The Government is also taking concrete action to support businesses at different stages of AI adoption. Existing supports include:
• The Grow Digital Voucher (up to €5,000) to assist small businesses in adopting digital tools, including AI;
• The Digital for Business Consultancy Scheme, which provides expert advice and tailored digital roadmaps;
• European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) across the country, which offer hands-on support to test and deploy advanced technologies, supported by an additional €23 million in funding;
• A wide range of upskilling and reskilling programmes delivered through CeADAR, SOLAS, ETBs, Skillnet Ireland and Springboard+.
These supports are under continual review to ensure they remain aligned with evolving enterprise needs.
Future plans include the development of a sector-focused AI adoption strategy, the appointment of AI Sector Champions to promote best practice, and the establishment of OBAIR (the Observatory for Business AI Readiness) to strengthen data and insights on enterprise adoption.
Progress is already evident. CSO data shows that over 20% of enterprises used AI in 2025, up from over 15% in 2024, while EU data indicates that 13.8% of Irish SMEs are using AI, above the EU average. Research from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs also highlights rapidly growing demand for AI skills across the economy.
Finally, the planned establishment of the AI Office of Ireland in 2026 will provide clarity and regulatory certainty through central coordination of the EU AI Act and support safe AI innovation, including through the development of an AI regulatory sandbox. My Department remains committed to ensuring that businesses of all sizes can adopt AI at a pace that is appropriate to them, supported by practical tools, skills development and a clear regulatory environment.
194. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of general employment permits, critical skills employment permits, and associated appeal applications received in each of the years 2023 to 2025 and to data in 2026; the number of application approvals and rejections in the same period; the current average processing times for general employment permits, critical skills employment permits and employment permit appeal applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45631/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland operates a managed employment permits system, which seeks to maximise the benefits of economic migration while minimising disruption to Ireland’s labour market. The system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages required to develop and support enterprise for the benefit of our economy. However, this objective must be balanced by the need to ensure that no suitably qualified Irish or EEA nationals are available to undertake the work and that the shortage is genuine.
The Employment Permits system is administered in accordance with the Employment Permits Act 2024 and associated Regulations. Employment permits can only be granted where all of the relevant statutory criteria and legislative requirements are met.
The tables below set out the number of employment permit applications received, approved and refused, across all permit types, for the period 2023 to 2026 (to date), and the number of appeals received over the same period.
The data presented across the three tables reflect the different datasets held by the Department in respect of;
(1) employment permit applications
(2) decisions made on those applications, and
(3) appeal applications
It should be noted that the number of decisions each year does not directly correspond to the number of applications received in that year, as applications may be carried over and decided in the following year. Additionally, the information does not capture the number of applications that are withdrawn from the Employment Permits online system, annually.
1. Employment Permit Applications
|
- |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|
Grand Total |
38,211 |
46,379 |
38459 |
22202 |
|
Contract for Services Employment Permit |
133 |
109 |
23 |
8 |
|
Critical Skills Employment Permit |
17,496 |
17,548 |
12622 |
6047 |
|
Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit |
52 |
60 |
40 |
8 |
|
Exchange Agreement Employment Permit |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
General Employment Permit |
18,056 |
25,785 |
23371 |
14864 |
|
Internship Employment Permit |
64 |
53 |
36 |
15 |
|
Intra-Company Transfer (Training) Employment Permit |
40 |
34 |
74 |
14 |
|
Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit |
2,039 |
1,949 |
1238 |
628 |
|
Reactivation Employment Permit |
116 |
261 |
378 |
205 |
|
Sports and Cultural Employment Permit |
214 |
579 |
675 |
412 |
2. Decisions made
|
- |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|
Issued |
30,979 |
39,398 |
31,145 |
16,902 |
|
Refused |
1,599 |
2,498 |
3,274 |
1,930 |
3. Appeals
|
Month of Appeal Received Date |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|
January |
101 |
89 |
189 |
180 |
|
February |
97 |
122 |
169 |
142 |
|
March |
81 |
124 |
175 |
136 |
|
April |
67 |
83 |
98 |
122 |
|
May |
87 |
88 |
83 |
166 |
|
June |
72 |
78 |
74 |
63 |
|
July |
112 |
151 |
112 |
|
|
August |
67 |
149 |
136 |
|
|
September |
68 |
172 |
128 |
|
|
October |
83 |
158 |
134 |
|
|
November |
94 |
182 |
174 |
|
|
December |
90 |
132 |
141 |
|
|
Grand Total |
1,019 |
1,528 |
1,613 |
809 |
Processing Times
My Department has implemented a range of measures to improve processing times, including the deployment of additional resources and the adoption of more efficient processing methods to ensure the system remains responsive to sustained demand across all permit types.
Currently, critical skills applications are processed in 10 working days, while new General Employment Permit applications are processed in 33 working days. These times are broadly in line with processing times at the beginning of the year, despite a strong demand for permits across the period. Appeals are being completed within 5 months.
Current processing dates are published on the Department’s website: enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/current-application-processing-dates/. Also, the Employment Permits Online Self-Service Portal provides real-time updates on the status of individual employment permit applications.
My Department continues to monitor processing times closely and remains focused on ensuring that the system is efficient, modern, and capable of meeting the needs of a dynamic labour market.
In addition, a dedicated mailbox for Oireachtas members is also available at tdepqueries@enterprise.gov.ie.
195. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in view of the recent fuel increases, the supports that will be made available for machinery contractors not engaged in agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45656/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is acutely aware of the impact of recent fuel price increases on businesses, including contractors operating outside of agriculture. Rising fuel and energy costs, driven by broader global inflationary pressures and geopolitical developments, are placing significant strain across a range of sectors, with particularly acute impacts in transport-intensive activities.
While supports have traditionally focused on agriculture and other highly energy-intensive sectors, the Government recognises that machinery contractors not directly engaged in agriculture are also exposed to rising diesel and operational costs, particularly where transport, logistics and equipment usage form a core part of their business model.
In response to these challenges, the Government has put in place a range of economy-wide supports to assist businesses in managing energy costs and improving resilience, rather than sector-specific fuel subsidies. These include:
• A suite of SEAI supports, including energy audits, training, and grant schemes such as the Business Energy Upgrade Scheme and Non-Domestic Microgeneration Grant, which help firms reduce energy demand and costs
• The Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme, providing long-term, low-cost finance to SMEs and small mid-caps, with loans of up to €3 million, including unsecured lending of up to €500,000
• Environmental Aid funding, with €300 million allocated to support decarbonisation and energy efficiency improvements in enterprise, enhancing long-term competitiveness
In addition, the Government continues to address cost pressures more broadly through the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, which includes measures aimed at reducing costs, improving regulatory efficiency, and strengthening infrastructure.
The Cost of Business Advisory Forum has also been examining cost pressures across sectors, including energy, insurance, and financial services, with a report due to be presented to Government shortly. This will include practical recommendations to further support businesses in managing operating costs.
More fundamentally, the Government’s approach recognises that reducing exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices is critical. Significant investment is underway in renewable energy, electricity grid infrastructure, and energy efficiency to support a transition towards greater energy independence and price stability over time.
In conclusion, while there are no specific fuel supports targeted solely at machinery contractors outside agriculture, a range of supports are available to assist with cost management, access to finance, and energy efficiency, alongside broader structural measures aimed at improving competitiveness and resilience across all sectors of the economy.
196. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the specific additional financial supports that will be introduced in 2026 and 2027 to assist in the development of enterprise centres in view of their importance in providing workspace for start-up businesses and SMEs, and the contribution from same to the overall economy particularly in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45589/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBalanced regional enterprise development remains a priority for my Department and for the Government, as set out in the White Paper on Enterprise 2022–2030. I acknowledge the valuable role played by enterprise centres and hubs throughout the country. These facilities support people to live and work in their own communities and provide vital assistance to entrepreneurs, start-ups, and SMEs. Considerable investment has been directed towards developing these facilities, and the Government remains strongly committed to supporting the sector.
My Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht continue to work closely together to develop the first strategy for the National Hub Network, following consultation with key stakeholders. I expect that the strategy will include actions to support the expansion of services at hubs and further promote their role and benefits. I expect that actions from this strategy will play an important role in developing the sector.
The Deputy will be aware that, since 2017, my Department has allocated in excess of €150 million to support regional enterprise development initiatives, including enterprise centres and hubs, throughout the country via Enterprise Ireland schemes such as the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and the Border Enterprise Development Fund.
The Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, co-funded through the European Regional Development Fund and administered by Enterprise Ireland closed to new applications only last week, with the final allocation of funding currently underway. An announcement of the next tranche of successful applications will be made once the allocations are finalised.
The scheme consists of four streams, supporting the development of key local enterprise infrastructure, such as enterprise hubs, clusters, and consortia; programmes that help SMEs foster innovation; and feasibility and priming grants.
The schemes mentioned have already played a significant role in supporting and developing enterprise hubs nationwide, including the delivery of over 60 pieces of physical infrastructure. The Government will, through my Department and Enterprise Ireland, continue to support collaboration with local authorities and other stakeholders to deliver innovative projects.
It is intended that an assessment of expenditure to date will be undertaken this year. There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to the reform of the way that this funding is undertaken, and the Department's assessment of the various funds outcomes will assist in formulating future policy.
197. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the action being taken to ensure that no one is left behind as AI advances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45434/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment recently published the new National Digital and AI Strategy - Digital Ireland: Connecting our People, Securing our Future, which sets out a clear and ambitious roadmap for advancing Ireland’s digital and AI capabilities in the years ahead, underlying digital competitiveness as a foundation for economic resilience.
The Strategy takes a whole of Government approach covering key pillars from public services and digital infrastructure to enterprise, skills and digital regulation. It reflects the breadth of our ambition and the shared responsibility across Government to deliver it. The Strategy embeds digital inclusion across all pillars to ensure everyone can benefit from digital and AI advancements.
My key focus is to accelerate the adoption of AI across our enterprise base, and in particular SMEs, to enhance competitiveness and productivity.
In 2025, my Department introduced the Charter for Digital Inclusion as a landmark step in Ireland’s mission to create a more inclusive digital society. The initiative highlights the importance of partnership and collaboration to address the digital divide, particularly the role of larger businesses in supporting SMEs to adopt and benefit from digital technologies.
The AI – Good for Business initiative provides an overarching framework for AI and digital transformation efforts within my Department and across the wider enterprise ecosystem. It promotes AI as a practical and trusted tool, while supporting businesses to adopt it in a manageable, step-by-step way that reflects their individual needs and capabilities.
A key focus of the initiative is awareness and accessibility. A nationwide campaign, including Ministerial roadshows delivered in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), is helping to demystify AI for businesses, particularly SMEs. These events highlight real-world examples, demonstrate practical uses of AI, and ensure that businesses are aware of the supports available to them.
A comprehensive suite of supports is also in place to ensure that businesses and workers can adapt to technological change. These include:
• The Grow Digital Voucher (up to €5,000), supporting small businesses to adopt digital tools, including AI;
• The Digital for Business Consultancy Scheme, providing expert guidance and tailored digital plans;
European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs)• , offering hands-on assistance to test and implement advanced technologies, supported by significant additional funding;
• A wide range of education, upskilling and reskilling programmes through CeADAR, SOLAS, the ETBs, Skillnet Ireland and Springboard+.
These measures ensure that both enterprises and workers have the skills and confidence to engage with AI and benefit from its opportunities.
Further actions are being progressed to strengthen inclusion and readiness, including the development of a sector-specific AI adoption strategy, the appointment of AI Sector Champions, and the establishment of OBAIR, the Observatory for Business AI Readiness, to improve understanding of how AI is being adopted and where additional supports may be needed.
Finally, the establishment of the AI Office of Ireland in 2026 will provide a clear and supportive regulatory environment under the EU AI Act. This will include the development of an AI regulatory sandbox, allowing businesses to test new solutions safely and responsibly.
The Government recognises the importance that Ireland’s approach to AI serves the needs of all parts of society. Taken together, the measures above ensures that AI adoption is inclusive, responsible and benefits all parts of the economy and society.
199. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he acknowledges the severe cost pressures currently facing small and medium-sized businesses arising from increased labour, energy, insurance and operating costs; whether supports aimed at protecting employment and competitiveness in the SME sector will form a priority part of his engagement with the Minister for Finance in advance of Budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41555/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the cost pressures faced by business in recent years, in particular those faced by SMEs, driven by changes to working conditions and wider inflationary pressures. This was a key consideration in the Programme for Government (PfG) and informed a range of measures to provide support for business.
The Cost of Business Advisory Forum was a PfG commitment and was established under the remit of my Department in June 2025. The Forum brings together key representative bodies and senior officials to discuss a wide range of issues impacting businesses such as energy and security of supply, insurance costs, and planning and infrastructure regulations.
I attended the last meeting of the Forum alongside Minister Dillon and Minister Smyth, and reaffirmed the commitment to bring this report to Government. The final report will play a key role in shaping future approaches to supporting a competitive, resilient, and sustainable enterprise environment.
In March and April, the Government introduced a substantial package of fuel supports to address rising energy costs in 2026. These include measures such as reductions in fuel duties and targeted supports for sectors like transport, agriculture and fisheries.
I and my officials maintain regular engagement with the Minister for Finance and his officials on matters related to tax policy. Every year, my Department submits a Pre-budget Submission to the Department of Finance outlining our recommendations for the year ahead and will do so for Budget 2027. I also maintain engagement with the Minister for Social Protection on matters pertaining to PRSI. Budget 2026 introduced a range of measures to benefit SMEs. The reduction in the VAT rate for hospitality from 13.5% to 9%, with effect from 1 July 2026, can be expected to be of significant benefit to SMEs. Budget 2026 also saw an increase in the Employer PRSI threshold to ensure that employers do not pay the higher rate of PRSI for full-time workers earning the minimum wage.
My Department has ensured that access to grants and support programmes have been simplified through the launch of the National Enterprise Hub, which is hosted and operated by Enterprise Ireland.
My Department also ensures there is rigorous implementation of the SME Test. The SME Test tasks policy makers to consider the impact that any new policy, legislation, or regulation, may have on SMEs, and to mitigate against those impacts where appropriate.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the Government continues to actively monitor cost developments across all sectors of the economy. We will continue to ensure that actions aimed at supporting SMEs in the Programme for Government are implemented in an effective and timely manner.
200. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is aware that a cost-benefit analysis was not included in a report (details supplied) commissioned by his Department; if he has considered a cost-benefit analysis to generate a net present value for data centres in Ireland to be made available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45476/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the beginning of June, I published “The Value of Data Centres to Ireland”, an independent report prepared by KPMG which assesses the economic contribution and strategic importance of the data centre sector in Ireland.
The terms of reference for the study clearly set out the following aims:
• to determine the economic impacts and wider societal benefits arising from existing and planned (to 2030) data centres in Ireland; and
• to explore options for evolving the data centre landscape beyond 2030 with a view to optimising future economic and societal benefits.
The economic impacts to be assessed were specified as Gross Value Added (GVA), employment and tax revenues. This focus is consistent with my remit as Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, with the study intended to develop a clear evidence base on the role data centres play in Ireland’s economy.
The study finds that:
• the role of data centres as critical digital infrastructure is evident in the scale of economic activity they generate in the Irish economy. In 2024, €104 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) (approximately 20% of the national total) and 876,000 jobs (approximately 32% of all employment) were enabled by data centres located in Ireland across the country’s six most data centre-dependent sectors;
• they reinforce Ireland’s attractiveness for global technology investment and underpin Ireland’s internationally significant computer services exports, which reached €279 billion in 2024 and accounted for over half of total services exports;
• the construction and operation of data centres contribute to GDP, support jobs and tax revenues, and have helped build deep high-tech construction capabilities, enabling over €2 billion in export activity by Irish-owned firms in 2024.
The study acknowledges the challenges to further data centre development in Ireland, particularly in relation to energy availability, grid capacity, and associated carbon impacts. However, it also affirms that Ireland has opportunities to broaden its data centre footprint through regional diversification, particularly by co-locating facilities with renewable energy sources, which is the approach being pursued through the Large Energy User Action Plan (LEAP).
My purpose in commissioning this study was to determine the economic impacts and wider benefits associated with data centres so as to provide a robust evidence base to inform policy discussion. As indicated in the report, further work by relevant bodies is required to address existing data gaps, particularly in respect of environmental datasets and broader social impacts. This work extends beyond the remit of my Department and would be necessary to support a full cost-benefit analysis.
202. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the targeted actions that are being taken to address the shortage of tourist accommodation in North Fingal, including hotel capacity and bed and breakfast provision, particularly given the area's proximity to Dublin Airport and key visitor routes, and the potential economic benefits of increasing overnight stays in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45473/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government recognises the central importance of tourism to Ireland’s economy and to the vitality of communities nationwide. A strong, sustainable and regionally balanced tourist accommodation base is essential to a competitive and resilient tourism sector. Accommodation underpins the visitor experience and perceptions of value for money, while strengthening the wider tourism ecosystem and supporting businesses of all sizes to grow.
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 to underpin and realise our ambition for growth in the sector. This will be achieved both through optimising the use of existing infrastructure and facilitating appropriate new development.
The Strategy will focus on improving accessibility to tourist accommodation across a range of price points, unlocking development in areas with untapped tourism potential, and supporting balanced regional growth with sustainable, year-round economic benefits.
As part of the preparation of the Strategy, a public consultation was undertaken between 27th April and 29th May, 2026 that invited views from members of the public, industry stakeholders, and all interested parties. A total of 299 responses were received and my officials are now analysing those responses in preparation of a summary report for publication. The insights gathered through the consultation will help support the development of a strategy that ensures Ireland has sufficient, diverse and dispersed, high-quality accommodation to best meet future demand.
It is intended that the Strategy will examine how to best address seasonal pressures, enhance Ireland’s competitiveness as a visitor destination, and strengthen positive community outcomes. The Strategy will also consider the role of accommodation in realising environmental and climate objectives, and supporting business travel, events, and non-leisure tourism activities.
Access to robust, reliable and comprehensive data is essential to effective policy development and long-term planning and the Strategy will address our future data requirements in this regard.
Fáilte Ireland currently maintains accommodation registers under the Tourist Traffic Acts and the National Quality Assurance Framework (NQAF), providing a strong evidence base for the sector. These registers currently record 227,192 tourism bedplaces nationally, demonstrating the scale of the industry and it's capacity.
In parallel, Fáilte Ireland has developed a Tourist Accommodation Capacity and Pipeline Monitor. This strategic tool tracks existing capacity and monitors development projects as they progress through planning, construction and delivery. The monitor supports early identification of supply pressures, provides insight into regional and sectoral trends, and supports evidence-based decision making by policymakers and industry stakeholders.
Based on Q3 2025 data, the pipeline monitor forecasts that 12,750 new bedplaces under construction will be delivered nationally across 2026 and 2027. In addition, planning permission has been granted for a further 37,550 bedplaces. The monitor will be refreshed in July with Q1 2026 data. Within the currently available data Fáilte Ireland has identified that 10,512 of the existing NQAF registered bedplaces across 44 properties, 990 of the bedplaces under construction and plans granted for 2,830 bedplaces across all categories, occur in the Fingal local authority area.
To further strengthen the tourist accommodation data framework this year, a statutory register for all Short-Term Letting (STL) accommodation will be introduced in December following the introduction of necessary legislation. This measure will significantly enhance transparency and visibility across the full accommodation spectrum, ensuring a more complete and robust dataset to inform tourism policy and investment decisions in rural, urban, island and emerging tourism destinations.
Thus, drawing on the public consultation feedback, enhanced statutory data, the forthcoming STL register, the capacity and pipeline monitor and the Tourist Accommodation Strategy led by my Department will take an integrated, data-driven approach to long-term tourist accommodation planning.
This will ensure Ireland’s tourism infrastructure evolves sustainably, informed by and in line with changing consumer preferences and global travel trends, while safeguarding the resilience and competitiveness of the sector nationally and at community level.
203. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment given that a greater proportion of data jobs related to data centres are related to construction (9,356 construction jobs compared to 7,636 additional operational jobs from 2010 to 2024), if the demand for construction roles related to data centres is being considered in the context of constructions skills needed for other infrastructure by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45477/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the employment profile associated with data centre development included a significant numbers of construction related roles over the period 2010–2024.
It is important however to distinguish between the types of construction skills involved in data centre delivery and those required for other forms of infrastructure, particularly residential construction.
Building data centres requires highly specialised mechanical, electrical and engineering skills, including expertise in systems like cooling and power that must work continuously without interruption. These are not roles typically required in residential buildings. As a result, the contractors and workforce engaged in these projects operate largely within a distinct segment of the construction sector. This limits any direct competition with housing or general infrastructure for labour resources.
The sector is also characterised by its global and cyclical nature. When domestic demand for data centre construction moderates, firms and workers transition to other complex, high-technology projects, including in overseas markets.
Ireland has developed internationally recognised expertise in the field of data centre construction, with Irish-owned firms generating approximately €2.0–€2.1 billion in data centre-related exports to Europe in 2024. This highlights the extent to which these capabilities contribute to export growth and the wider economy.
Data centre construction has strengthened Ireland’s high-tech construction capability, enhanced skills development in specialised disciplines, and supported Ireland’s international competitiveness.
204. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the plans in place to support development along the M1 corridor and attract high-value jobs to mid-Louth and north Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45618/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBalanced regional development is a key focus of the work of my Department and our Enterprise Development agencies. We are focused on ensuring that every region in Ireland grows optimally, based on its unique strengths, contributing to national prosperity through job creation, innovation, and enterprise development.
Enterprise Ireland’s Strategy 2025–2029, titled "Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally", is a comprehensive roadmap aimed at transforming Ireland’s indigenous enterprise base into a global economic force. Enterprise Ireland supported companies are delivering direct and indirect job creation, developing innovative solutions for global challenges, strengthening communities and regions, and improving quality of life nationwide.
In 2025, EI supported 117 companies in County Louth, with total employment of 6,207. The New Frontiers programme for the North East Region is funded by Enterprise Ireland to support local start-ups and is managed by Dundalk IT in partnership with DCU Invent. In 2025, the programme attracted 52 participants, supporting high potential start-ups with mentoring, hot-desk space and stipends to allow exploration of their new business idea.
Enterprise Ireland has funded 6 projects, with a total value of €10.2m, in Louth under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) and the Border Enterprise Development Fund (BEDF). The REDF and BEDF funds provide support for collaborative, enterprise capability building projects, to advance entrepreneurship, productivity and innovation in SMEs across the North East Region. Approved projects include the Drogheda Digital Hub, and the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centre of Excellence at Dundalk IT. EI also approved two projects in Louth in 2025 under the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme.
EI funded seven start-ups in the North-East in 2025 (5 from Louth) by through High Potential Startup or Pre-Seed Funding. Enterprise Ireland also works closely with the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in Louth. LEO Louth’s suite of business supports is available to all businesses and entrepreneurs in the county.
IDA Ireland is continuing its strong commitment to promoting FDI in regional locations as part of its 2025-29 strategy, Adapt Intelligently, and is targeting 550, or 55% of FDI projects outside Dublin over the strategy's lifetime. Furthermore, the IDA is positioning the Mid-East Region - including Louth - as a competitive destination for global investment and IDA is targeting 55 of these 550 investments to the Mid-East.
County Louth plays a significant role in IDA Ireland’s regional investment strategy. The county has seen, in aggregate, good FDI performance over recent years, supported by strong regional collaboration, strategic location, and targeted investment. There are currently 37 IDA-supported companies in County Louth employing 4,048 people.
IDA Ireland is committed to retaining and strengthening client operations in every region. The agency assists client companies in preserving employment, encouraging reinvestment, and mitigating job losses. Through close collaboration with businesses, IDA offers a wide array of supports, including RD&I grants, capital funding for energy efficiency improvements, and digitalisation initiatives designed to enhance competitiveness.
The availability of suitable property and strategic sites is a critical component of the regional value proposition and to the winning of investments into the regions from both new-name clients and from the existing client base. IDA Ireland continues to deliver advance property solutions and infrastructure improvements to support multinational investment and regional economic growth, in line with the objectives of the IDA Regional Property Programme. This includes the delivery of 2 Advance Building Solutions (ABS), under its current strategy which extends to 2029, one in Drogheda for which planning has been granted and commencement of a further ABS in Dundalk subject to availability of current ABS’s.
IDA Ireland’s approach to further increasing investment and employment in County Louth is multi-faceted and includes partnering with clients to enhance competitiveness and productivity in their Irish operations, attracting new investment and delivering strategic infrastructure that underpins long-term regional growth. I am confident that County Louth remains well positioned for future investment.
205. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in view of the importance of enterprise centres in providing workspace for start-up businesses and SMEs, the incentives and grant aid available for such developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45590/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware of the significant investment made by my Department via Enterprise Ireland in the enterprise hub space in recent years, as well as additional investment by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in related spaces.
Over €150 million has been approved for enterprise development projects through Enterprise Ireland, and this includes funding of the construction of more than 60 pieces of physical infrastructure, provided primarily under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, the Border Enterprise Development Fund and the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme. The latter of these funds, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, closed to new applications last week, with final funding approvals to be made in the coming weeks.
In addition, further funding was provided to many enterprise hubs with a view to ensuring their continued operation during the Covid-19 crisis, and many of the hubs also host training courses or events funded by Government, which further aids their work.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it takes a considerable amount of time to not just open an enterprise hub, but also see it develop to its full potential, and as such, while a number of funded enterprise locations, such as Platform 94 in Galway city, the Guinness Enterprise Centre in Dublin 8, and the RDI Hub in Killorglin, County Kerry, are now highly developed and operating at close to capacity, others are in a much earlier phase of development. With more recent funding, others are still under construction.
As such, while I acknowledge the significant successes of the sector and its impact to date, the closure of the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme presents an opportune time to consolidate, take a look at the outcomes of the significant investment already made in these facilities, and consider how best to support existing facilities and further developments going forward after almost a decade of steady investment under the funds outlined.
My Department will be consulting with stakeholders to examine the nature of future funding for enterprise hubs in the coming months. We will additionally be considering any gaps in the current enterprise infrastructure, with the intent of building on already significant successes in the way that is most beneficial, and continues to develop these vital resources in the most effective way.
206. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the work his Department is doing in relation to cross-Border tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45431/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnhancing cross-border collaboration and improving connectivity remain key priorities for the Government, with tourism recognised as an important driver in achieving these aims.
Alongside its continued partnership with Fáilte Ireland to promote a more even spread of tourism across regions and to further develop established experience brands, the Programme for Government also commits to supporting Tourism Ireland in advancing a more integrated, all-island tourism offering.
The National Tourism Policy Statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism, reinforces the Government’s focus on expanding cross-border tourism through the Shared Island initiative. In line with this approach, my Department, working closely with the tourism agencies, will continue to back Shared Island proposals that encourage joint projects, enhance regional links and create more seamless visitor experiences throughout the island.
The Shared Island Brand Collaboration Project, which aims to build stronger links between the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route, has progressed significantly this year. In February, the Taoiseach and I, together with Minister Archibald, announced the 13 successful projects under the Coast-to-Coast Capital Investment Scheme. These projects are progressing well and remain on track, supporting the development of high-quality, immersive visitor experiences across both jurisdictions.
In February 2025, the next phase of the Shared Island Initiative was launched, with up to €23 million allocated to the Shared Destinations Programme targeting border regions. This initiative involves Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland working collaboratively with local authorities to develop sustainable tourism infrastructure in areas such as Carlingford Lough, the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark and Sliabh Beagh. It also includes an International Marketing Programme designed to maximise economic benefits for each region. The projects under this programme have now commenced, with the project teams established and initial work underway.
Engagement is ongoing with the tourism agencies to identify and develop future Shared Island tourism proposals, ensuring a steady pipeline of initiatives that align with the objectives set out in the National Tourism Policy.
Through the All-Island Strategic Tourism Group, established under the North South Ministerial Council, the Department and tourism agencies will continue to cooperate closely with counterparts in Northern Ireland. This collaboration will focus on advancing key areas of North-South coordination, unlocking the full tourism potential of the island, and delivering lasting benefits for both visitors and local communities.
207. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will report on the work of the Small Business Unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45351/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Small Business Unit was established in my Department last year. Since then, its remit has expanded to include the retail sector and its title is now the Small Business and Retail Unit. This is a sensible move given the crossover of issues and policy areas.
The Unit is tasked with ensuring that the needs and issues of small businesses have a dedicated focus across Government. This is work is aligned with four core areas of focus.
First, through the rigorous implementation of the SME Test, which tasks policy makers to consider the impact that any new policy, legislation, or regulation, may have on SMEs, and to mitigate against those impacts where appropriate.
In 2025, 33 SME Tests were applied by 10 Government Departments. This compares to 26 SME Tests applied by 8 Government Departments in 2024. Since 2021, a total of 89 SME Tests have been applied across 14 Government Departments, including 8 completed in Q1 2026. I am keen for this number to grow every year, and my officials and I are exploring how to improve enforcement.
Secondly, access to grants and support programmes have been simplified through the launch of the National Enterprise Hub. The NEH is hosted and operated by Enterprise Ireland and has over 250 different supports for businesses from 32 Departments and agencies.
Since launching in July 2024, the NEH has handled and signposted over 14,000 enquiries. Monthly volumes have grown steadily, with 940 queries received in May 2026 alone. My Department is working on how to improve the NEH further with a greater emphasis on simplification.
The Small Business and Retail Unit also has responsibility for the Local Enterprise Offices and continues to ensure that the LEOs are properly resourced to help small businesses. A review of the full suite of LEO supports is currently underway, while previously, a review of applications for LEO grant schemes to reduce the number of questions and simplify requirements was completed. This review resulted in a significant reduction of application questions - for example down 47% for Business Expansion Grants and down 30% for the Green for Business Grant, with further reductions targeted.
Another role of the Unit is engagement with the retail sector, in particular through the Retail Forum. The Forum allows key issues of relevance to the retail sector to be discussed to identify practical actions which could be taken by Government, or by industry itself, to support the sector with particular emphasis on achieving sustainable jobs growth. The most recent meeting of the Forum took place on the 3 March 2026, and the next meeting of the Forum is scheduled for 11 November.
I would like to emphasise my Department’s commitment to ensure the actions aimed at supporting small businesses in the Programme for Government are implemented in an effective and timely manner.
208. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is planning to abolish sub-minimum wages and increase the national minimum wage to a living wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45622/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the National Minimum Wage Acts allow for lower, or sub-minimum rates of the minimum wage for those employees aged under 20 years of age. Those aged less than 18 years can be paid 70 per cent of the full minimum wage rate, while those aged 18 years and 19 years can be paid 80 and 90 per cent of the full rate, respectively.
Since the current system of youth rates is based on a percentage of the full minimum wage; when the minimum wage increases, these sub-minimum youth rates also increase, with young people in receipt of these rates seeing a commensurate increase in their wages.
Since 2020, the National Minimum Wage has increased by 40%, from €10.10 to today’s rate of €14.15 an hour.
In 2025, there was a significant uplift of 6.3%, or €0.80 in the minimum wage, and this year the minimum wage increased by €0.65, an increase of 4.8%. Both of these increases were ahead of inflation and projected wage growth and have brought about substantial and real wage growth for the lowest paid workers in our economy.
Last year, as part of measures designed to bolster business resilience and support competitiveness, the Government made agreed to defer a decision on sub-minimum youth rates until 2029.
This decision should be considered in the context of the significant increases in the minimum wage and wider improvements in statutory employment measures.
The Government will continue to closely monitor the use of subminimum youth rates to ensure they do not undermine fair pay or progression for young workers, while also safeguarding employment opportunities as part of the scheduled review in 2029.
The Government has committed to progressing to a living wage, set at 60% of median hourly earnings, by 2029. This will be achieved via incremental adjustment to the National Minimum Wage. Our next steps in this regard will be informed by the recommendations of the independent Low Pay Commission. The Commission’s recommendations for the 2027 National Minimum Wage are due to be submitted to me next month.
The aforementioned significant increases in the National Minimum Wage demonstrate Government’s commitment to progressing to a living wage.
209. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Taoiseach when the CSO will release the data centres metered electricity consumption statistics for 2025. [44977/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraReferred to CSO for answer
Since 2022, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has issued an annual release detailing Data Centre Metered Electricity Consumption. The most recent report, containing the statistical outcomes for 2024, was published on 10th June 2025, available at www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-dcmec/datacentresmeteredelectricityconsumption2024/. It is the intention of the CSO to publish the compiled data for 2025 in July 2026.
