Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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45. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to outline progress on the recommendations of the Government’s response to Ireland’s Competitiveness Challenge 2024 with regard to artificial intelligence, in particular the commissioning of research on the impact of artificial intelligence on the Irish economy and on the campaign to outline the possibilities of artificial intelligence adoption by SMEs. [6365/25]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Government recognises the transformative potential of AI and other advanced technologies, and the importance, in particular for competitiveness and productivity, of ensuring that enterprises are supported to adapt to and adopt new technologies. As outlined in the Government response to the Competitiveness Challenge report, the Government welcomes this recommendation by the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC).

In response, my Department is progressing a body of research that seeks to address the issues outlined by the NCPC, with a view to reporting on results later this year. This research will feed into ongoing policy development in this space.

We now have a number of targeted supports in place to drive increased adoption of technology among businesses. Our approach this year will be to drive awareness through our Enterprise Agencies.

While Tech companies are obviously readily adopting new technologies, much of my Department’s focus is on driving increased usage of AI in the non-tech sectors and domestically trading businesses.

The Grow Digital Portal has a case study catalogue with digital success stories showcasing how different (non tech) businesses have embraced digital solutions to boost their operations. My Department are promoting the case studies across social media to reach as many businesses as we can, on LEOs websites and the department’s website.

My officials are also working with business representative groups to develop a collaborative campaign to increase Digital and AI adoption among micro and SMEs. Again case studies will play an important role in inspiring others to use digital tools.

James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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46. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how his Department plans to balance the need for Ireland to be at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) innovation while also developing a policy for responsible AI use; what he considers to be the main obstacles to the implementation of his Department’s AI policy; if he will provide a progress update on his Department’s strategy to address these challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6807/25]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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A Refresh of Ireland's National AI Strategy was published in November 2024. This refresh takes account of the significant developments in AI technology and regulation since the original Strategy was published in 2021.

The National AI Strategy sets out a whole of government approach to putting the necessary enablers in place, including a supportive innovation ecosystem, a secure data and connectivity infrastructure, and policies to ensure that the workforce is prepared for the impact of AI.

My Department has a particular focus on enterprise digitalisation and AI adoption, guardrails, and building public trust.

While the benefits of AI are clear, there are also important ethical and societal implications that must be considered. Issues such as privacy, security, and changes to the world of work are just a few of the policy considerations that must be proactively addressed by Government to ensure that AI is used for the betterment of society.

That is why building public trust is a priority focus of the Government’s AI Strategy.

I would note in particular the aggressive timeline for implementation of the EU AI Act. We met the first deadlines on identifying national public authorities which supervise or enforce the respect of obligations under Union law protecting fundamental rights, including the right to non-discrimination, in relation to certain high-risk uses of AI systems, specified in the Act.

Given the rapid development of this technology, my Ministerial colleagues are fully aware of the importance of the implementation of the strategic actions included within the Refresh. As AI is a rapidly evolving technology, we will continue to review and refresh the strategy on a periodic basis to reflect this.