Irish tech businesses call for AI allowance
The Government is being urged to introduce an Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) for businesses to cover the cost of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.
Digital Business Ireland (DBI), the national representative body for the e-commerce, digital and tech sectors in Ireland, said the new allowance would cover 100% of costs in the first year of deployment of AI technologies, and the scheme could mirror the existing ACA for green technology.
DBI said the allowance would incentivise Irish businesses to adopt new AI technologies to drive greater efficiencies, while facilitating the exploration of new international markets for their products, goods and services.
In its pre-Budget submission, DBI is also calling for increased investment in skills and training courses, and funding for enhanced advisory and support services for businesses to ensure compliance with digital regulation.
The submission warns that the EU regulatory environment in the digital space can be a 'minefield for businesses' and urges the Government to invest in advisory support to help businesses achieve compliance.
In addition, the group is urging the Government to reform the Grown Digital Voucher schemes by introducing a tiered system of grant support for digital transition and adoption of AI by Irish SMEs.
According to DBI, in a recent parliamentary question, the Department of Enterprise confirmed that the voucher had only 13 applications and six approvals since its launch in September 2024, which meant that €28,296.50 was given out from a budget of over €5 million allocated at the inception of the scheme.
"Digital Business Ireland believes the Government can do much more to help Irish businesses accelerate their digital transition and adoption of AI. However, existing supports simply do not go far enough," said DBI National Spokesperson DP Fitzgerald.
"Our pre-budget submission proposes tangible and constructive measures to support the Government's ambition to realise the full benefits of digitalisation, including AI," Mr Fitzgerald said.
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