Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Digital infrastructure is one of the four dimensions of the Government's national digital strategy, which I launched in February of this year. The new strategy sets out specific targets, including: 75% enterprise take-up of cloud, big data, and artificial intelligence, AI, by 2030; and 90% of small and medium enterprises at a basic level of digital intensity by 2030.

A robust broadband infrastructure will be vital in reaching these targets, enabling businesses to take advantage of digital technologies and to increase sustainable employment. The Deputy will also be aware of the national artificial intelligence strategy, which sets out how Ireland can be an international leader in using artificial intelligence, AI, to benefit our economy and society through a people-centred, ethical approach to its development, adoption and use. Last week, the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, appointed Dr. Patricia Scanlon as Ireland's first AI ambassador. I know she wants to demystify artificial intelligence and promote the positive impacts it can have in areas such as health, agriculture, transport and education.

The adoption of digital technologies by all businesses, in particular SMEs, is vital to sustain Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for leading digital enterprises and maximise the benefits of the digital transition for the wider ecosystem across productivity, innovation and competitiveness. In addition to facilitating the uptake of digital technologies, broadband connectivity facilitates remote working for employees.

Our overall digital connectivity target, as outlined in the national digital strategy, is to ensure that all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a gigabit network service no later than 2028, with all populated areas covered by 5G by no later than 2030. This digital connectivity will in turn enable the Government's policy priority of regional enterprise development. We now have nine new regional enterprise plans in place, which will encourage collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen the regional offering for enterprise and therefore create an environment for successful economic development, sustainable employment and growth across the country.

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