AI for Care, Ireland’s first national strategy for the safe, responsible and effective use of Artificial Intelligence across health and social care, was formally launched on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

The strategy is available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/press-releases/minister-for-health-publishes-irelands-first-national-ai-for-care-strategy/

The publication of AI for Care delivers a core Programme for Government commitment and represents a major milestone in Ireland’s digital health transformation. The strategy provides a clear, practical and evidence-based roadmap for how AI will be adopted across the health service over the next five years. It outlines Ireland’s national vision for the use of AI across four domains — clinical care, operations, research and innovation, and public health — and places a strong emphasis on transparency, safety, robust governance and a person-centred, human-in-the-loop approach to deployment.

Ireland’s health service continues to face rising pressures due to growing demand and clinical complexity. AI for Care responds directly to these challenges by setting out a structured, responsible pathway for the adoption of proven AI tools that enhance — rather than replace — the work of healthcare professionals. Several AI projects are already in place across the system, and the HSE will shortly publish a corresponding AI Implementation Framework to ensure consistent, safe rollout across all Health Regions as part of the wider Digital for Care agenda.

AI for Care also complements our new National Digital and AI Strategy and supports Sláintecare’s vision for integrated, person-centred care, ensuring that Ireland can harness emerging technologies safely, transparently and in ways that deliver meaningful improvements for patients and staff.