Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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132. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will ensure that a review of the grow digital voucher and the possible reintroduction of the Enterprise Ireland online retail grants will be considered as part of the review of the supports provided by his Department’s agencies announced in Budget 2026. [55579/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that the a review of the Grow Digital Voucher will be conducted both in line normal practice as part of the pilot phase of any new support, but also as part of a wider review of all Local Enterprise Office (LEO) supports, to be completed in 2026.

While the Online Retail Scheme has now closed, it should be noted that there are a broad range of digitalisation supports available to the retail sector, including the Grow Digital Voucher.

In addition, the Digital for Business consultancy scheme, available through the LEOs, provides expert digital consultants to help businesses explore technology adoption opportunities. This programme is designed to help small businesses across all sectors, including retail, to prepare and implement a plan for the adoption of digital tools and techniques across their operations. It provides third party consultancy to assist small businesses in identifying where they are on their digital journey and in developing a digital adaptation plan based on their individual needs.

While these supports include training programmes and funding to help retailers adapt to new challenges and opportunities in retail, the introduction by my Department of the National Enterprise Hub and the Grow Digital Portal makes accessing and learning about the range of digital supports available to Irish SMEs easier than ever.

The NEH is an all-of-government service, staffed by expertly trained advisors and is focused on helping businesses access a range of government supports. The hub brings together information and resources on over 250 government supports from 30 different Departments and State Agencies.

The Grow Digital Portal helps companies to embrace basic digital tools for driving efficiencies and productivity, and for marketing and selling online where appropriate for their business. Since, launch in July 2024 the portal has had over 19,000 visits and the Department continues to promote the supports available to help businesses on their digital journey.

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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133. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details being considered as part of the Budget 2026 commitment to promote and leverage the productive use of AI in companies to ensure the benefits are optimised. [55580/25]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Government remains firmly committed to unlocking the vast economic opportunities that Artificial Intelligence presents for our businesses.

AI is recognised as a critical driver of growth in the Programme for Government, which outlines initiatives to boost the economy, enhance public services, and ensure ethical development.

The National Digital and AI Strategy is currently being updated, bringing together digital policy and regulatory responsibilities. The updated Strategy will set more ambitious national targets in key areas and will have a significant emphasis on AI throughout.

My Department is actively engaged in shaping the new Strategy and is leading on the Enterprise Pillar, which will focus on three key areas:

• Driving Enterprise adoption and innovation
• Fostering a fit for purpose ecosystem for innovative startups
• Attracting inward investments.

This is especially vital in today's fast changing global economy.

The recently published Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity includes eight measures specifically related to AI and digital adoption.

These strategic actions will ensure Irish enterprises can adapt, thrive, and lead in the digital age.

We have already delivered a wide range of enterprise supports:

• The Grow Digital Voucher offers up to €5,000 to small businesses (under 50 employees) to adopt digital tools like e-commerce, AI, cybersecurity, and website development.
• The Digital for Business consultancy scheme—a free service which connects businesses with expert digital advisors to assess needs and develop tailored plans.
• The Grow Digital Portal showcases success stories from non-tech businesses embracing digital transformation.
• Ireland’s four European Digital Innovation Hubs (Dublin, Cork, Mullingar, Sligo) help SMEs and public bodies adopt key technologies: AI, cybersecurity, and high-performance computing.
• The Cyber Security Review Grant (worth €3,000), to help businesses strengthen their online security.