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approach is to wait and see, but preparation has to happen all the same. It is important to ensure that the Irish agrifood industry is supported in the best way possible, in terms of ensuring that key products in terms of food and drink, as well as pharmaceuticals … area in which there would be scope to explore is a new sanitary and phytosanitary agreement between Britain and the EU. That could potentially benefit the Irish agrifood business. I have spoken to people involved in the fishery industry both on the fishing side and the processing side

need to do so. If our technology prevents us from doing that, this is a barrier. It is incumbent on the Government to explore strategies for maximising the potential of artificial intelligence to benefit businesses, the economy and society at large, as the Minister of State has said … about the damage that has been done in contracting out. The Minister of State has probably read The Big Con: How the Consulting Industry Weakens our Businesses, Infantilizes our Governments and Warps our Economies, which is about how we have contracted out so much decision-making and expertise

carbon emissions. AI contributes significantly to climate action by enabling data-driven environmental monitoring, optimising energy and consumption and supporting sustainable practices across industries. Smart grids powered by AI can balance energy demand and supply in real time, increasing energy efficiency and contributing to the fight against climate … LEOs have introduced the digital for business consultancy scheme that provides expert digital consultants to help businesses with up to 50 employees to explore technology adoption opportunities. While technology companies are obviously readily adopting new technologies, most of my focus and the Department’s focus is on driving

this role each and every day. I want to communicate a fresh understanding of what it is farmers, fishers, foresters and the food industry contribute to Irish society and the economy. This is a sector that drives economic growth throughout Ireland, particularly in rural and coastal communities … felling licence. For those with licences either in the system or yet to be submitted, the Department will prioritise these as we explore further options for a simplified approach, taking account of all EU environmental obligations. We must also be mindful that trees which have blown over have

forced to either pause or drop out of the apprenticeship altogether. Many people in my constituency of Dublin South West work in the industrial estates along the M50. There is very little direct public transport access to the latter so they have to rely on private cars … potential sites now. We did have temporary test centres during Covid. It is obvious that they were closed prematurely. I suggest that Government explore the possibility of reopening these sites in the interim in order that the backlog does not worsen while new permanent sites are being identified

businesses that have incurred financial losses as a result of Storm Éowyn, very significant losses in some cases. I welcome that the insurance industry has proactively sought through its media engagement over recent days to reassure both householders and businesses that it views impacts from Storm Éowyn … possible provision of financial support for emergency generators. While I am not in a position to share specific details, I will be exploring appropriate responses that the Government will take and that can assist to build additional resilience and capacity in the business sector over the period ahead