The Government has launched a new programme to accelerate AI adoption across the economy and public sector, and to position Ireland as one of the world’s leading locations for responsible applied AI.
The Intelligence:Applied programme will see 35 initiatives implemented over the next four years under the themes of people, economy, infrastructure and ecosystem.
The programme, which was launched at the International AI Summit in Dublin earlier this week (Wednesday 14 October 2026), includes a commitment to increase the use of AI in the healthcare system, to support imaging and breast cancer screening.
AI solutions will be introduced by the National Screening Service to support breast cancer screening and improve clinical efficiency, and in the National Imaging System to assist clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
AI Sectoral Ecosystem Strategies will be developed to provide a tailored, sectoral approach to supporting AI adoption across key sectors of the Irish economy.
A new €21 million AI Startup Accelerator Programme will be made available and 10 AI sectoral champions will be appointed to act as visible advocates for AI transformation and bring sector specific insights.
A new national AI Regulatory Sandbox Programme is to be established by the AI Office of Ireland in 2027, and this will prioritise access for SMEs and startups.
Next year will also see generic AI capability rolled out across the public sector.
Speaking at the International AI Summit, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the Intelligence:Applied programme reflects the Government’s “determination to stay current, agile and responsive in this fast-evolving space”.
“We will leverage our key strengths – our people, economy, and ecosystem – reflecting our strong track record as a tech hub, and our decades of effort ensuring we have been at the forefront of every significant tech wave. We will build on this legacy to position Ireland as a leading applied AI economy, across both private and public sectors,” the Taoiseach said.
“We will be supported by our innovation ecosystem which positions Ireland well as a leading destination for applied AI research, innovation and commercialisation.”
In his opening address to the summit, the Taoiseach stressed the importance of partnership and stakeholder involvement.
“As we navigate the changes and challenges AI will bring for the world of work, continued stakeholder engagement will be essential. That is why I am establishing a new Forum under the Government’s Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF), to bring together Government, trade unions and employers to explore the impacts of AI and wider digital change on the workplace.
“While I believe our strengths in terms of our people, economy and ecosystem give us a competitive advantage, what underpins all our work is Trust. In an environment where businesses need certainty, citizens need confidence, and investors need stability – Ireland does not see innovation, regulation or safety as competing goals, but as mutually reinforcing. We know it is critical we get the balance right between innovation and necessary, well-resourced regulation. It is only by doing so that we can avail of the transformative potential of AI, without compromising on our core values. The need for such a balance becomes clearer every day.”
The Government has also approved the establishment of a new Cabinet Committee on AI. The Taoiseach will chair the Cabinet Committee, which will focus on whole-of-society impacts of AI, including impacts on the economy and the labour market, wider societal impacts and regulation, and AI deployment in the public service.
“The launch of the Intelligence:Applied programme demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring our economy, public services and citizens can unlock the transformative benefits that AI offers. That means making sure our people have the skills and confidence to use AI to their advantage and that our businesses are supported to accelerate AI adoption, and to invest and innovate with certainty,” Mr Martin said.
“Our strengths – a well-established reputation as a digital hub, an exceptional talent base and a vibrant innovation ecosystem – mean that our economy is well positioned to succeed in an AI age. To ensure that the benefits of AI reach everyone in society, we will ensure that trust and safety continue to underpin our approach to responsible Applied AI for Ireland.”
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