Information and Communications Technology
Dail Éireann — 2026-07-08
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Alan Dillon (FG), Mayo

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter and for his work on the artificial intelligence committee, alongside the critical infrastructure committee. We recognise the importance Intel brings, not just to Leixlip and Kildare but also to Ireland in general. It is the cornerstone of Ireland's semiconductor ecosystem and one of the most significant industrial investments in the history of the State. It is one of the largest private sector employers, and we need to continue to support it through the Government, the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. We remain actively engaged with Intel to ensure it can continue to grow but it is also supported through its competitiveness, talent development and investment. I know the Deputy has had continuous engagement with the Minister, Deputy Burke, on that.
Getting back to Sillicon Island, it is not simply a strategy document. It is very much a programme of investment in skills, research, infrastructure and competitiveness. We have started from a position of strength, and we need to continue that investment over the long term. That is why we are actively working with European partners on the chips Act 2.0. This will build on progress that has been achieved under the original European Chips Act.
As part of our European Presidency, we will work to advance the agenda and strengthen Europe's position on critical semiconductor technologies. That is why the Government is working with IDA Ireland to advance the next generation sites. We want Ireland to continue to be attractive to semiconductor manufacturers, enhancing the big multinationals that are already here. Through the continued support of firms such as Intel and investment in skills and innovation, we can continue to remain at the forefront of Europe's semiconductor future.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-07-08/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-14T01:01:07+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-07-08