Irish medtech call for increased R&D supports in Budget 2026 as competitors invest aggressively in innovation – Irish Medtech
rish Medtech, the Ibec group representing the Ireland’s medical technologies sector, today launched its pre-budget submission 2026 “Innovating for patients, driving prosperity”.
Eoghan Ó Faoláin, Irish Medtech Director, warned that:
“Global headwinds stemming from geopolitical risks to talent shortages and technological disruption, threaten our future competitiveness. Not only do the new US 15% tariffs threaten exports to our largest market, which is worth nearly €8 billion, their administration have also introduced policies to become more attractive for R&D investment and they are not alone. Local competitors France have an R&D tax credit at 43%, followed by the Netherlands at 32%, with the UK also strengthening supports with a focus on SME R&D relief. Irish Medtech’s recommendation, informed by our board and senior experts, suggest that a 35% R&D tax credit for high-value innovation activities will not only allow for the continued development of life-improving medtech, but also contribute to both regional and national investment in Ireland.”
Jackie Murphy, Irish Medtech Chair and Alcon VP Manufacturing Plant Manager, concluded:
“Ireland is the largest employer of medtech professionals, per capita, in Europe with 50,000 working in the sector. In the face of rapid transformation more needs to be done to avoid growth constraints by equipping people to get ahead of rising demands for mobile talent with skills in areas such as a digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and sustainability. That’s why Irish Medtech are advocating for €15 million be unlocked from the National Training Fund and allocated to Skillnet networks including the Irish Medtech Skillnet, and Connected Health Skillnet to turn the tide on its static funding despite rising demands over the last three years.”
Adrienne McDonnell, Irish Medtech Senior Executive, noted that:
“Medtech’s ability to transform lives and grow the economy depends on its culture of innovation from pioneering startups to established global leaders. Medtech innovation is different to other sectors. It has a long-cycle, is highly regulated, and capital intensive, thus, taking years to bring a life-saving idea from concept, through validation and clinical trials, and into the hands of patients. Medtech is one Europe’s most innovative industries, and if measured in patents, Ireland has a proud record with over 2,000 patents filed over the past decade and more than 60% of businesses actively investing in R&D here. But Europe is falling behind, and Ireland is being outpaced by countries investing more aggressively. Without targeted improvements to our R&D supports, Ireland will lose our competitiveness which it is known for as one of the top five global medtech hubs.”
This submission, which has been developed by Ireland’s medtech industry, outlines three core Budget 2026 priorities:
- Expand and Strengthen R&D Tax Credit to Support High- Value Innovation (Estimated cost: €405million)
- Invest in Talent to Strengthen Ireland’s Industry-Led Upskilling Model and Apprenticeship Infrastructure (Estimated Cost: €35million)
- Establish and resource a dedicated Office of Life Sciences within the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (Estimated Cost: €1million)
