Mr. Kieran McCorry:

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach and members of the joint committee for inviting us to speak today. I am the national technology officer at Microsoft Ireland. I am joined by my Brussels colleague, Jeremy Rollison, who is the head of EU policy. Microsoft established operations in Ireland almost 40 years ago, in 1985. We are an all-island entity with regional and global teams in both Dublin and Belfast, totalling some 4,000 employees. Our roots go deep in Ireland and we are passionate about supporting Ireland's ambitions at an enterprise and social level.

Technology change, like any change, creates both opportunity and challenge. With artificial intelligence becoming more prevalent, it brings numerous opportunities for Irish businesses and society while raising legitimate questions about its use. We know that in the last decade or so, dealing with change is something that Irish businesses and workers have responded to with courage and creativity. This provides a source of confidence, allowing us to answer the following question positively. Can Ireland, including our businesses, workers and Government, respond with agility and a shared purpose so that it leads responsibly on the use of AI and enjoys the many positives available while minimising any negatives? Microsoft is convinced that Ireland can answer "Yes" to this question. If we can help along the way, we are ready and willing to do so.