William Beausang

Intent: Sought a meeting with the DFHERIS minister to ensure that the budgetary allocation for skills training would not be reduced in Budget 2026

Details: Review of NTF allocation

Intent: Highlight Ibec's campaign on AI awareness::Raise AI awareness across policy makers and enterprise. Support national efforts on AI awareness and adoption. Raise awareness of business priorities on AI.

Details: Ibec's work got smarter campaign

Intent: Highlight business priorities on digital and AI readiness in response to public consultation on enhancing competitiveness

Details: Ibec's Digital Ambition Campaign

Intent: Raise awareness of start-ups views on a number of matters of policy matters of relevance in technology ahead of regional summit

Details: Issues applicable to startups in relation to Start-up survey and regional summit

Intent: Support industry priorities for investment in innovation infrastructure as part of a new multiannual funding programme

Details: Business priorities for innovation infrastructure investment

Intent: Sectoral input to be reflected in development of research infrastructure programme

Details: Research Infrastructure - as part of working group

Intent: To meet with the the Government Trade Forum to discuss IFA's perspectives on priority actions for the Forum.::To take part in discussions regarding latest developments with US tariff policy and the list of potential EU counter measures.::To highlight that the EU needs to undertake further internal preparations in case negotiations with the US are unsuccessful.::To share views with other Members of the Forum and Government officials on::Impacts on Irish Farming of ongoing uncertainty in the current trade and investment climate::Opportunities and challenges across the farming sector::Relevant developments in the US-China and US UK trade relationships and what it means for the Irish farming sector::Competitiveness and the Irish economy::Importance of investment in skills, innovation, in-house training, research and development

Details: Government Trade Forum

Intent: Promote dialogue with DFHERIS to align sector priorities with policy, address challenges, and highlight contributions to skills, research, and internationalisation. Invite the Assistant Secretary to participate in the HECA Research Conference 2025 as a panelist, engaging with research on AI, education and wellbeing, and explore future directions for applied research to support national priorities.

Details: Promote dialogue with DFHERIS to align sector priorities with national policy, address challenges, and highlight contributions to skills, research, and internationalisation. Invite the Assistant Secretary to participate as a panelist in the HECA Research Conference 2025.

Intent: We discussed AI’s impact on education and the need to adapt lifelong learning so Ireland stays competitive and attractive to investment. We shared examples of sectors most affected and the training modules needed through public-private collaboration. Talks then focused on Irish government policy plans and how OpenAI could contribute feedback on program content.

Details: Development of AI Training and Upskilling Programs Envisioned by the Irish Government and potential areas for collaboration.

Intent: Supporting competitiveness as part of the EU pharmaceutical sector reforms and innovation in life sciences in Ireland.

Details: Engagement with Government, MEPs and public officials regarding the life-sciences sector in Ireland and the EU General Pharmaceutical Legislation (GPL) including two roundtable events.