Technology Ireland reaction – Budget 2023

• Investment in skills and digitalisation welcome but urgency needed to address infrastructure challenges in order to maintain Ireland’s attractiveness 

Technology Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the technology industry, has welcomed measures in Budget 2023 investing in digitalisation and skills but cautioned more urgency would be needed to maintain Ireland’s attractiveness as the location of choice for the technology sector, particularly as a hiring slowdown looms. 

The technology sector is a key enabler of economic growth, innovation and the green transition and in the Technology Ireland submission to Government for Budget 2023, we noted that the potential of the sector, which supported Ireland through many crises over the last few years, could be unlocked with measures to tackle housing pressures and the energy crisis, investments in new technologies, digital skills and further supports for entrepreneurs to pursue the ideas of the future. 

Una Fitzpatrick, Director of Technology Ireland said: “It is encouraging to see Government take steps to propel Ireland’s digital future. Today’s budget has seen positive investment in digitalisation and skills. We also welcome efforts to enhance Ireland’s adoption of new and disruptive technologies and innovations however we cannot be complacent.

“Government must continue to focus on increasing our attractiveness, especially at a time where companies are reviewing their growth strategies. Now is the time to implement the National Digital Strategy and pursue Ireland’s future as Europe’s regulatory hub, underpinned by measures to address skills and infrastructure deficits.”