Niamh Smyth TD
Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment with special responsibility for trade promotion, AI and digital transformation
Ireland is accelerating AI adoption, innovation and regulation in enterprise. Discover how national strategy and new initiatives aim to position Ireland as a global tech leader.
Ireland has positioned itself as a forward-thinking digital economy, but we cannot be complacent. I’m determined that Ireland fully embraces the opportunities that AI offers across our economy and society.
Ambitions for AI in enterprise
My priorities with AI are best understood in terms of three ambitions for enterprise:
- Fast-tracking enterprise technology adoption
- Establishing Ireland as a choice location to test, develop and scale the latest technologies
- Cementing Ireland’s position as a centre of regulatory excellence and a strong voice in Europe, advocating for well-designed digital regulation
Government’s soon-to-be-published National Digital and AI Strategy (2025) will lay out concrete actions to facilitate the delivery of each of these ambitions.
Since taking on the role of Ireland’s first Minister of State designated with a specific portfolio for AI, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that AI can have on enhancing productivity and encouraging innovation in firms of all sizes. I’m committed to ensuring that Ireland’s SMEs can maximise the potential of AI. To fast-track widespread enterprise digitalisation, I’m working with LEOs, European Digital Innovation Hubs and enterprise agencies to ensure that every SME is aware of the support available to them. These range from consultancy, vouchers, process innovation, to marketing and R&D grants.
Lastly, Ireland is a strong voice in Europe, advocating for
harmonisation and coherence across digital regulations.
Ensuring compliance in innovation
For all enterprises, compliance must be built into innovation from the outset. Looking to the months ahead, the National Artificial Intelligence Office is set to be established by August 2026. The Office will act as Ireland’s central authority for implementing the EU AI Act. The Office will coordinate EU AI Act implementation, promote research and adoption and ensure that Ireland’s approach to AI governance remains proactive. Although many AI systems used by small firms won’t fall under the “high-risk” scope of the EU AI Act, all businesses should begin assessing their AI use and compliance. There are resources already in place to guide businesses on AI compliance: through CeADAR, Ireland’s national centre for applied AI, the Department of Enterprise website and the EU AI Act Service Desk’s Compliance Checker.
Positioning Ireland as a global tech leader
Our ambition is also to grow our leadership position as a location for global companies. Sixteen of the top twenty global technology companies, and eight of the leading providers of foundational AI models, have their main EU establishment here. Positioning Ireland as a location of choice to research, test, develop and scale the latest digital technologies and as a hub for AI and cybersecurity will enhance our leadership status.
I’ve championed the idea of hosting an AI and Digital Summit during Ireland’s EU presidency to showcase our strengths and values in AI innovation, adoption and regulation. I’m pleased to confirm that work is now underway on this summit, which will take place on 14 October 2026.
Lastly, Ireland is a strong voice in Europe, advocating for harmonisation and coherence across digital regulations. For my part, I represent Ireland on the D9+ group of digital frontrunner EU Member States, and I’ll continue to advocate for well-balanced regulation and a digital single market which underpins EU competitiveness and innovation.
