Ireland ranks second in the EU for digital skills, with 83% of the population possessing at least basic digital skills compared with an EU average of 60%.
The European Commission's 2026 Digital Decade Country Report for Ireland shows Ireland as one of the EU's strongest digital performers.
The country places fifth in the EU for generative AI adoption at 45%, significantly above the EU average of 33%.
The report highlights strong performance across business digitalisation, digital infrastructure and digital public services.
Ireland ranks first in the EU for mobile broadband take-up, second for digital public services for businesses, and fourth for SMEs selling online.
Speaking following Cabinet consideration of the report, Ireland's Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said: "The Digital Decade Report confirms Ireland's position as one of Europe's leading digital economies.
"Our strong performance reflects sustained investment in digital infrastructure, skills and innovation.
"As Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, we welcome the progress being made across Europe towards the Digital Decade 2030 targets and look forward to working with our European partners to strengthen Europe's digital competitiveness and AI ambitions."
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke. (RollingNews.ie)
Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Niamh Smyth welcomed the findings.
"Ireland's strong performance reflects the progress we are making through sustained investment in skills, connectivity and innovation. It is particularly encouraging to see strong levels of AI adoption among Irish businesses.
“Through Digital Ireland: Connecting our People, Securing our Future, we are working to ensure the digital and AI transition delivers real benefits for people, businesses and public services.
"We look forward to building on this momentum at Ireland's Digital and AI Summit this October, where we will showcase how Ireland is translating digital and AI leadership into practical outcomes across the economy and society."
The report also found that Ireland is home to 18 of the EU's 324 unicorn companies, maintaining its position as the EU's fifth-largest unicorn hub.
Irish SMEs continue to outperform the EU average on digitalisation, with digital intensity reaching 71%, compared with an EU average of 62%.
Household internet take-up stands at 95.5%, above the EU average, and Ireland scored above 90% in five of eight Digital Decade public service indicators.
Access to e-health records increased from 0% in 2022 to 44% in 2025, representing the fastest rate of improvement among EU member states.
The report also highlights Ireland's continued progress in strengthening cybersecurity, including the advancement of the National Cyber Security Bill and ongoing supports for SMEs to improve cyber resilience.
The share of women working as ICT specialists continues to grow and remains above the EU average.
*This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.
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