Budget 2026 must unlock AI-ready workforce and innovation economy - Technology Ireland
Technology Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the technology sector, has urged Government to seize the opportunity of Budget 2026 to secure Ireland’s position as a global leader in the digital and AI economy. Highlighting the transformative decade ahead, Technology Ireland has outlined a series of priorities to strengthen competitiveness, accelerate innovation, and prepare the workforce for rapid technological change.
Una Fitzpatrick, Director of Technology Ireland said:
“As we look toward 2030, the next five years will be pivotal for Ireland and the global economy. Investment in skills and innovation is not a discretionary spend - it is a national imperative.
The National Training Fund is employers’ money, collected to invest directly in workforce transformation. Using it strategically is key to unlocking Ireland’s AI-enabled future.”
Budget 2026 is a chance for Ireland to future-proof its regulatory approach, maintain its edge as a small open economy, and respond to global uncertainties that are already delaying business decisions.
Ireland is the European home to many of the world’s leading technology companies. To succeed, we must set the pace in digital and AI skills and create the right environment for innovation. The key recommendations of the Technology Ireland pre-Budget submission are:
-
National Training Fund (NTF):
Technology Ireland stressed that the NTF must remain focused on its core mission of upskilling and reskilling. Significant surpluses have built up while critical skills shortages persist. The organisation calls for strategic, large-scale investment to equip workers with advanced digital and AI capabilities, ensuring a just and competitive transition to an AI-enabled economy.
-
AI and Workforce Transformation:
With artificial intelligence already reshaping business operations, Technology Ireland urges decisive investment in training programmes that respond to real-time industry needs.
-
Research & Development:
Increased R&D funding is identified as essential to attracting and retaining high-value industries in an innovation-led global market.
-
Semiconductor Strategy:
Technology Ireland welcomes the launch of Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy and calls for swift implementation of its recommendations and the formation of a dedicated Steering Committee. Recent international tariff measures pose risks to Ireland’s competitiveness and must be addressed.
