AI’s growing importance in the Government’s plans
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across society is demonstrated by its prevalence in the Government’s 2025 Programme for Government (PfG) in comparison to the singular, brief mention it got in the 2020 PfG.
AI’s only mention in the 2020 PfG came when the Government stated its aim to “further develop Ireland’s leadership in new digital technologies, including cloud computing, data analytics, blockchain, Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence”.
The use of AI has permeated every sector of society since then, reflected in the Government’s AI strategy published in 2021, AI: Here for Good. This document was refreshed in November 2021 to align with developments in technology and regulation, such as the EU’s AI Act which is currently being rolled out in phases.
In the 2025 PfG, the new coalition government, comprising Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and the Regional Independents Group, makes 16 references to AI, setting out its aims to make Ireland a leader in the digital economy and AI. Specific actions the Government aims to take regarding AI are as follows:
- realise the benefits of AI to increase productivity of Irish businesses;
- ensure Ireland and the EU benefit from the innovation and investment potential of AI by working with EU partners while protecting privacy and fundamental rights;
- invest in AI digital skills at all levels;
- provide AI skills necessary for its deployment, innovation and support; and
- research the impact of AI on classrooms.
The 2025 PFG asserts that the development of AI will increase the importance of data centres which it identifies as critical in economic growth and public service delivery. It also identifies the “opportunities presented by artificial intelligence” to improve teaching and learning methods “as schools adapt to digital learning”. AI will also play a role in justice as the Government says it will “support the Gardaí to use artificial intelligence in criminal investigations subject to clear guidelines and oversight”.
