James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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307. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps that will be undertaken in the upcoming review of the National Development Plan to consider the case for semiconductor subsidies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23114/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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I will publish our National Semiconductor Strategy ("Silicon Island") later this month, sending a clear signal of support for this economically and strategically vital sector for Ireland and Europe. In this regard, it is aligned with the European Chips Act with its focus on boosting Europe's competitiveness as a location for high-end manufacturing. The European Chips Act also improved relevant state aid rules facilitating Member State investment in this sector in order to drive EU strategic goals.

Silicon Island is ambitious. It is designed to create high-value jobs, secure long-term investment, and cement Ireland’s role as a critical player in Europe’s semiconductor future. It sets out strategic ambitions in the areas of major industrial investment and infrastructure readiness; innovation and start-up growth; R&D and emerging technologies; talent and skills; and strategic governance and collaboration.

Early progress has been made over the course of the strategy’s development with circa €70 million in national and EU funding already identified for Tyndall National Institute’s participation in three EU pilot lines. "I-C3" comprising of Tyndall, UCD, and MIDAS has been established as Ireland’s National Competence Centre under the Chips Act. Also, we supported a successful partnership Ireland and 14 EU Member States in the IPCEI on Microelectronics and Communication Technologies spearheaded by Analog Devices.

The new Programme for Government has a commitment to prioritising an early review of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2030 to be completed in July 2025 and led by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. As such, my Department is feeding into this Review highlighting the national strategic priorities for capital investment, including the National Semiconductor Strategy and how we can support its ambitions over the course of any revised NDP.