Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

In all the sectors the Deputy referenced, we are absolutely responding with significant policy interventions, particularly our action plan on competitiveness. While there was a huge increase in growth in the technological sector of approximately 15% or more during the pandemic period, we have seen a recalibration in some areas. While it is difficult for families to face news of uncertainty, the critical thing is there are huge opportunities. The sector is growing globally, which is incredible in an Irish context, with so many new companies, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence and generative AI. There are huge opportunities in this regard for Ireland as a world leader, particularly in a European context.

We have a strong basis for growth. The IDA strategy to 2029 specifically highlights the areas of digitalisation and semiconductor activity. Those areas will be key to sustaining our employment levels into the future. We are doing a number of measures, such as our action plan for competitiveness and our new semiconductor strategy. We updated our AI strategy last November, which is important, in partnership with industry. We have many significant research partners in tertiary education that are yielding significant results we can see on the landscape

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