Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 May 2024
64. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if supports are being considered for SMEs in the use of AI technologies for their businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23083/24]
View answerMy Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is taking action on a number of fronts to increase the number of Irish businesses using AI, in line with our National AI Strategy, “AI – Here for Good”.
I chair the newly refreshed Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum, with industry and expert representatives, which provides valuable advice and perspectives on how we can best help businesses to digitalise and adopt advanced digital tools such as AI.
Digitalisation and AI adoption support, including advice, consultancy and grants, is also available through the Local Enterprise Offices, and the SME support package, launched last week, widened the eligibility for the Trading Online Voucher, by extending it to all sectors up to 50 employees, expanding the eligible expenditure, and doubling the grant to €5,000.
I would like to draw particular attention to CeADAR, Ireland's Centre for Applied AI, which acts as the bridge between the worlds of applied research in AI and data analytics and their commercial deployment by business. CeADAR is playing a crucial role in helping businesses to adopt AI.
Government has established four European Digital Innovation Hubs to help businesses, and SMEs in particular, in evaluating and adopting digital and AI tools. The Hubs serve as 'one-stop shops' with research organisations at the core, providing access to technical expertise and experimentation, as well as innovation services, and the training and skills development necessary for successful digital transformation.
Furthermore, Skillnet Business Networks provide AI upskilling to businesses at all levels, from 1-day foundational training to master’s level courses.
AI technology continues to advance at a rapid pace. It is important therefore, that our supports continue to be agile and adaptive in order to respond to developments, and seize the opportunities of AI for good.
