Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While we have seen a recalibration in the tech sector post Covid, it is still very strong.

We have a very rich vein of talent. We have and are host to eight of the ten global leading tech companies in this State at this time. We provide so much talent and skills, with 8% ICT graduates in our economy. That is double the EU average. We are double per capitain STEM graduates, which provides a huge rich vein. We have, as part of our digitalisation strategy, a very clear policy regarding the tech sector, which was established in February 2022. We have the White Paper on enterprise, which sets out our plans and goals to achieve 90% digital intensity in basic SMEs by 2030, which are a very important cog in the wheel as well. Obviously we have our AI strategy, which we have updated as recently as last November, working very closely with the AI advisory group, chaired by Dr. Patricia Scanlon. We are also working to implement the AI Act, designating our competent authorities and getting our regulatory sandbox up and running. There is a huge amount of opportunity in this space and Ireland has the foundation to grasp that opportunity and we will not be found wanting for the resources to do so.

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