454. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department is considering the development of new supports, grants, or advisory services to assist SMEs in adopting artificial intelligence technologies; the measures currently under consideration; and the timeline for their introduction. [64243/26]

In February 2026, the new National Digital and AI Strategy, Digital Ireland: Connecting our People, Securing our Future, was published. It sets out a clear and ambitious roadmap for advancing Ireland's digital and AI capabilities in the years ahead, underpinning digital competitiveness as a foundation for economic resilience.

The Government is continuing to promote the uptake of AI across Irish enterprises through a combination of recently introduced policy measures, targeted supports and programmes aimed at improving awareness, capability and readiness for AI adoption.

Central to this approach is the AI – Good for Business initiative, which launched on 28 May 2026. It provides a single national label through which industry partners, institutions and businesses can engage with AI adoption, while positioning AI as an accessible, trusted and growth-focused tool. This approach is practical and step-by-step, helping businesses adopt AI at a pace that suits their needs and capabilities.

As part of the initiative, a nationwide series of Ministerial roadshows, delivered in conjunction with Local Enterprise Offices, is currently underway. These roadshows bring AI "down to earth" for SMEs by showcasing real-life success stories, explaining practical applications and highlighting the range of supports that have recently become available.

The roadshows also spotlight the Government's Charter for Digital Inclusion, a national initiative that brings together public bodies, businesses and community organisations to address Ireland's digital divide. The Charter emphasises partnership, particularly the role of larger businesses in supporting SMEs and local communities to build digital skills, increase awareness, support digital adoption and help people get online, promoting a more inclusive digital future.

Alongside these newer initiatives, the Government is supporting businesses at different stages of AI adoption through a range of measures, including:

• The Grow Digital Voucher (up to €5,000) to assist small businesses in adopting digital tools, including AI;

• The Digital for Business Consultancy Scheme, which provides expert advice and tailored digital roadmaps;

• European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) across the country, which offer hands-on support to test and deploy advanced technologies,

• Cyber Security Grant, which SMEs can access up to 80% funding through a two-stage cybersecurity grant program run by Enterprise Ireland and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC),

• A wide range of upskilling and reskilling programmes delivered through CeADAR, SOLAS, ETBs, Skillnet Ireland and Springboard+.

These supports are under continual review as AI technologies and business needs evolve.

Further actions include the development of a new sector-focused AI adoption strategy, the appointment of AI Sector Champions to promote best practice, and the establishment of OBAIR (the Observatory for Business AI Readiness) to strengthen data and insights on enterprise adoption.

Finally, a major milestone has been achieved with the establishment of a new independent entity - the AI Office of Ireland. Officially launched on 30 July, the new Office will play a pivotal role in supporting the implementation of the EU AI Act in Ireland, fostering innovation and promoting the responsible use of AI.