Intel has just unveiled Intel® Core Ultra Series 3 processors, the first AI PC platform built on Intel 18A process technology that was designed and manufactured in the United States. Powering over 200 designs from leading, global partners, Series 3 will be the most broadly adopted and globally available AI PC platform Intel has ever delivered.

"With Series 3, we are laser-focused on improving power efficiency, adding more CPU performance, a bigger GPU in a class of its own, more AI compute and app compatibility you can count on with x86." – Jim Johnson, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Client Computing Group, Intel

Series 3 Adds a New Class of Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 Processors

Within the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 mobile lineup, a new class of Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 processors come packed with the highest performing, integrated Intel® Arc graphics. They are purpose-built for multitaskers that handle advanced workloads like gaming, creation and productivity on the go. The top SKUs feature up to 16 CPU cores, 12 Xe -cores and 50 NPU TOPS, delivering up to 60% better multithread performance, 1 over 77% faster gaming performance2 and up to 27 hours of battery life3.

The Series 3 family also includes Intel Core processors, intentionally designed to power mainstream mobile systems. Leveraging the same foundational architecture of Intel Core Ultra Series 3, the Intel Core lineup enables more performant and efficient laptop designs at lower price points.

Series 3 Accelerates AI Adoption in Robotics, Smart Cities, Automation and Healthcare

For the first time, alongside their PC counterparts, Series 3 edge processors are certified for embedded and industrial use cases, including extended temperature ranges, deterministic performance, and 24×7 reliability.

Intel Core Ultra Series 3 delivers competitive advantages in critical edge AI workloads with up to 1.9x higher large language model (LLM) performance4, up to 2.3x better performance per watt per dollar on end-to-end video analytics5, and up to 4.5x higher throughput on vision language action (VLA) models6. The integrated AI acceleration enables superior total cost of ownership (TCO) through a single system on chip (SoC) solution versus traditional multi-chip CPU and GPU architectures.

Availability

Pre-orders for the first consumer laptops powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors will begin Jan. 6, 2026. Systems will be available globally starting Jan. 27, 2026, with additional designs coming throughout the first half of the year.

Edge systems powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 will be available starting Q2 2026.

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More about Irish Tech News

Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too.

You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news

If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at [email protected] now to discuss.

Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at [email protected] now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience.

You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

ESB Networks has announced the nationwide expansion of its Weather Watch Schools Programme, an innovative educational initiative for Junior Cycle and Transition Year Geography students linking weather patterns to renewable energy generation in an engaging and educational way.

Now reaching approximately 15,000 students in 180 schools nationwide, including 10 Gaelscoileanna, the programme has more than doubled in scale since its first phase last year. Each school receives a free in-class weather station to enable students to track real-time weather conditions and learn how these affect electricity generation and consumption, as well access to educational materials on the subject.

Evaluation from last year demonstrated clear educational impact and led to meaningful energy conversations in the home:

•73% of students showed improved awareness of energy use

•Understanding of the link between weather and renewable generation rose by 50%

•More than 75% could correctly identify peak demand times, up from 33% pre-Weather Watch

•48% reported discussing electricity use at home within the previous month

This year's programme introduces new modules focusing on Ireland's wind farms. Using OS maps and aerial imagery, students explore how physical geography influences site selection and evaluate the social and environmental benefits of wind energy. Tailored materials for Irish-medium schools also ensure the programme is accessible in both English and Irish.

Lindsay Sharpe, Customer & Strategy Manager at ESB Networks, said:

"We are pleased to expand the ESB Networks Weather Watch programme this year and to see the genuine enthusiasm from students and teachers in classrooms across the country. Research from participating students and teachers show that students are not only increasing their understanding of the link between energy use and renewable generation, but they are actively engaging on it and starting powerful conversations about energy use in their wider everyday life with family and peers.

"This awareness shows how ESB Networks Weather Watch has developed from a classroom initiative into an important part of ESB Networks' Networks for Net Zero strategy. We look forward to supporting this continued growth in everyday understanding of energy use and choices, so we can continue to shape a more sustainable future for all."

The initiative encourages energy awareness conversations beyond the classroom, supporting ESB Networks' "Is This a Good Time?" campaign to promote smarter electricity use. By linking theory to practice, students gain a clear understanding of how Ireland's climate connects to its renewable future and can bring this back into their homes.

Weather Watch also now plays a role in driving the cultural shift needed to achieve Ireland's Networks for Net Zero ambitions. By making energy literacy part of everyday learning, the programme empowers students to bring sustainability thinking beyond the classroom, influencing attitudes and behaviours across Irish homes.

A participating teacher added:

"The ESB Networks Weather Watch Programme has really captured enthusiasm and interest from our Geography students as it makes energy and climate issues real for them. They can see the direct link between what they learn in geography and how renewable energy works in practice. The students really enjoy using the weather station to collect data, and it helps them consider sustainability in a real-world way. As a school, we are looking forward to implementing the programme again this year."

More about Irish Tech News

Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too.

You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news

If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at [email protected] now to discuss.

Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help pro...

Despite steadying inflation, many households are still feeling the post-Christmas pinch and the bite of hefty energy bills during the winter months.

Switcher.ie's calculations show that households could save around €1,230 per year on their energy bills by switching up, scaling back or making simple swaps.

1. Dial it down

Keeping our homes warm can quickly burn a hole in our pockets during the winter months. It can cost between €8 and €15 per day, depending on the size and energy efficiency of your home.

However, just turning your gas central heating off an hour earlier each day can save you around €10 per week and dialling down the thermostat one degree can save an extra €7 per week – altogether slashing around 25% off a typical gas bill.

Only using one room? Consider an energy-efficient portable heater to take the chill off rather than heating the whole house. Swap out your old fan heater for an infrared one, and save €6 per week.

You could save: Up to €400 per year

2. Switch it up

Winters can be pretty gloomy in Ireland, with house lights on for up to 10 hours a day. Add outdoor lighting to the mix, and electricity costs can rocket.

Switch to solar-powered outdoor lights, and glow up your neighbourhood for free even on cloudy days.

Lift the spirits indoors by replacing your old 60-watt bulbs with low-energy 5-watt LED bulbs and save at least €2.60 per week. For a cosy glow, USB-powered lamps could save you even more.

You could save: Over €135 per year

3. Cut the power

Cut back on dishwashing costs and stack up savings by loading your dishwasher to the max and halving your cycles from 6 per week to 3. Using less power on dirty dishes could save around €87 per year.

Buying power tools for a spot of DIY, or gardening? Go cordless – you'll use less power and only pay for charging time. Simply hoovering with a cordless model can save around €10 a year.

You could save: Around €90 per year

4. Ditch the dryer

Save over €3 per week on laundry costs by ditching the dryer. It's one of the most expensive appliances to run, using up to 3 kilowatts (kWh) per hour, so air dry whenever possible, reduce your use or shorten the cycle.

To further shrink your washing costs, fill your machine and cut the number of loads you run each week. Squeezing more into the drum, reducing the number of cycles, and air-drying instead of tumble drying could save around €15 per month.

You could save: Around €177 per year

5. Entertain for less

The energy-guzzling Christmas period drains many household budgets, with kitchen activities typically accounting for around 20% of the average energy bill.

Next year, consider switching off the oven and plugging in smarter gadgets for big family get-togethers. Gently cooking the meat in a crockpot, rustling up roast potatoes in an air fryer and steaming veg in the microwave could save time and money on big family events.

Together, these smart swaps carried into 2026 could snip €173 per year off your energy bill.

You could save: Around €173 per year

6. Scale back shower time

Reduce your shower time by 5 minutes and save over €100 per year. Dial down the temperature and save even more. Just drying your hair for 10 minutes daily could cost around 0.80c per week, so spend longer towel drying your hair and cut your blow dry by 5 minutes to halve costs.

Together, a shorter morning routine could save you almost €10.00 per month and give you 10 mins extra in bed each day!

You could save: €109 per year

Switcher.ie's Energy Expert, Eoin Clarke says

"Whilst the cost of living crisis has eased and energy prices have stabilised, households are bound to be feeling the post-Christmas pinch now the cold weather has set in and energy bills bite.

On the upside, there are several simple swaps we can make around the home to lower our energy costs.

Whether you need to replace big-ticket goods like your fridge and washing machine, or smaller items like light bulbs, always choose the energy-saving option and consider investing in new kitchen...

Pure Telecom, the Irish-owned telecoms provider, today announces new results from its annual Connected Lives survey, which reveals that while 51% of adults in Ireland use fitness tracking apps, 35% of users say they have not helped them to become physically healthier.

The nationally representative survey of 1,001 adults in Ireland was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom and shows that Ireland is a health-conscious nation engaging with the latest technologies to improve or maintain their health and fitness. It found that 50% of adults use nutrition tracking apps and this rises significantly to 76% among 18- to 24-year-olds and 66% among 25- to 34-year-olds. Meanwhile, 38% say they use mental health apps, rising to 56% of 18- to 24-year-olds.

The majority (61%) of adults in Ireland now use smart watches that track their health and fitness data. The research shows that these have become so essential to many people's fitness routines, that 36% of smart watch users won't work out without tracking it on their watch. The uploading of these workouts to fitness apps has led one-in-four fitness app users to compete with friends in terms of their performance.

While many are yet to see any health benefits – such as fewer niggles or colds – from using fitness apps, over half (51%) of users believe they have helped them to become physically healthier. A similar proportion, 50%, feel they have helped them to reach their fitness goals. A further 57% say that their use of apps motivates them to work harder at their fitness, while 50% believe they are responsible for improving their mental health.

Social media is also playing a role in helping the population to get, or stay, healthy. A significant 39% say social media motivates them to be healthy, and in the past year, 51% of adults have followed the advice of a fitness influencer. Video-sharing social media apps, meanwhile, are helping 30% to eat healthier. Of those who work out regularly, 16% post images of themselves doing so on social media. This rises to 24% among men and falls to 12% among women.

Paul Connell, CEO, Pure Telecom, said: "Online fitness apps, smart watches and social media platforms are giving consumers more power to take control of their health and fitness. But with that power comes a responsibility to educate users on their limitations, and the value of consulting a qualified expert. As the festive season winds down, many of us will be looking to get more active and these technologies are a great way to supplement our healthy lifestyles, rather than take over them.

"At Pure Telecom, we are committed to providing the high-speed broadband needed to help people become their healthiest selves and enjoy the sense of community and friendly competition that fitness can bring."

See more stories here.

More about Irish Tech News

Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too.

You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news

If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at [email protected] now to discuss.

Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at [email protected] now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience.

You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Halo, the world's first AI-powered equine performance predictor and insurance platform, launched late last year, redefining how risk is measured and managed in the bloodstock industry. Its insurance capabilities have been developed in conjunction with leading reinsurance broker, Guy Carpenter, and underwriter, Markel. Unlike traditional offerings, Halo integrates real-time predictive analytics with embedded, flexible cover to deliver protection that finally matches how the industry actually operates. I caught up with Neil Sands the Founder of Halo.

Neil talks about his background, what Halo does, predicting the horses value, AI and more.

More About Halo:

Halo is an AI-driven insurtech platform designed for the equine industry. By combining predictive analytics, performance modelling, and embedded insurance, Halo delivers real-time risk insights and tailored protection for horse owners, trainers, and insurers. Its proprietary AI agent, Hailey, provides advanced sales, breeding, and race planning recommendations, making Halo the new intelligence layer for bloodstock. Halo is part of the Fox Design venture studio.

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Integrity360 has acquired leading Canadian cybersecurity services and solutions provider Advantus360, a well-established and highly regarded cybersecurity services company operating out of Calgary in Canada. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition, which is part of Integrity360's continued global expansion plan, provides the group's first presence in the strategically important North American market.

Advantus360, founded in 2015, is a highly respected and accredited cybersecurity services and solutions provider serving customers throughout Canada and into the United States. The company operates out of facilities in Calgary, Alberta, from which it provides services to a wide range of enterprise customers including organisations in the oil, gas and energy sector, as well as the transportation, manufacturing, legal, financial, retail, mining and services industries.

Advantus360 has huge expertise in cybersecurity consulting including design and architecture, assessment, remediation, integration, deployment, strategy development and training. It also has a long track record in the design, deployment and ongoing support of innovative cybersecurity solutions from leading global cybersecurity vendor Palo Alto Networks, with whom it has had a long relationship, and possesses deep knowledge and accreditations.

Advantus360 also has expertise in selective other cybersecurity technologies from vendors including Cisco, HPE, KnowB4, Algosec, and Mimecast. Alongside professional services and cybersecurity solutions, Advantus360 also provides managed services solutions ranging from technical support services to Managed Detection and Response ("MDR") solutions.

Integrity360 will develop Advantus360 to become a significant regional services hub for the group covering Canada and the wider market in the United States, providing the full suite of Integrity360 cybersecurity services. During 2026 this will include the addition of a new SOC (Security Operations Centre) based in Calgary, which will become a local access point for the existing Integrity360 circa 200 person SOC organisation which currently operates from facilities in Dublin, Stockholm, Rome, Sofia, Madrid, Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Further locations already being added in 2026 include Brussels and Paris. The global SOC operation delivers Integrity360's highly comprehensive suite of managed services, including EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response), XDR (Extended Detection and Response), and MDR (Managed Detection and Response) solutions for business organisations across multiple continents.

Advantus360 customers will benefit from access to Integrity360's extensive and complementary cyber services portfolio encapsulating cyber risk and assurance, comprehensive 24/7 incident response and forensics services, infrastructure and technology services, PCI compliance, OT (Operational Technology) consulting and solutions, and a comprehensive range of cybersecurity managed services ranging from managing cyber infrastructure to Managed SASE (Secure Access Service Edge), Managed CTEM (Continuous Threat Exposure Management), and a full suite of innovative XDR/MDR solutions. Integrity360's innovative range of services have been recognised five times in a Gartner market guide, most recently for Incident Response and Forensic services.

Ian Brown, Executive Chairman at Integrity360 commented: "We are really delighted to be welcoming Regan, Stefan and Marci, and indeed the entire Advantus360 team to Integrity360. The acquisition marks a significant milestone for the group as it represents our first presence in the strategically important North American market. Advantus360 has for more than a decade established and has developed an enviable reputation for excellence in cybersecurity consulting and solutions. Its achievements in designing, deploying and supporting Palo Alto Networks solutions are particularly impressive and will be built upon by the whole Integrity360 group. We...

Munster Technological University (MTU) has launched a new pilot green biorefinery at its Kerry Campus, marking an important milestone in Ireland's move towards sustainable agriculture and a circular bioeconomy. The facility will develop technologies that convert the country's richest resource, which is its grasslands, into a range of valuable products, including high-quality animal feeds, human-grade protein, prebiotics, flavours and bioenergy.

The grass biorefinery plant funded by Enterprise Ireland in collaboration with the Centre for Applied BioSciences Research (CABR) Technology Gateway, builds on MTU's ongoing research in projects such as Rural BioReFarmeries and Biorefinery Glas led by the Circular Bioeconomy Research Group (CircBio), which showed that protein can be extracted from grass, clover and green leaves to feed cattle and pigs while producing additional high value products.

The results that have been proven include the use of grass biorefinery press cake as a suitable forage for cows and the co-production of high-quality protein concentrates for pigs and poultry. MTU's new Kerry Campus facility will allow the University to take this innovation to the next level ahead of a 2026 launch of a demonstration-scale green biorefinery and anaerobic digestion facility at Farm Zero C, Shinagh Farm, Bandon, Co. Cork, which MTU is developing in partnership with University College Dublin (UCD) and Carbery Group.

Speaking about the new pilot biorefinery, James Gaffey, Principal Investigator for Green Biorefinery Research based at MTU, said:

"As the only country in Europe with more than 50% grassland, Ireland is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the development of green biorefining. By extracting food and feed-grade proteins and value-added co-products from grass, we can reduce costly imports and lower our carbon footprint, while increasing local resilience and strengthening the competitiveness of our farming and agri-food industries.

This new pilot facility is the first of its kind in Ireland, and complements our excellent track record of research in this space. It offers a great platform for us to scale this research and test these innovation opportunities with industry".

Ireland currently imports around 3 million tonnes of animal feed concentrates every year, including almost 1 million tonnes of soybean meal, and most of it comes from South America. However, production in that region has been linked to Amazon deforestation, along with long-distance transport emissions.

MTU research also shows that grass protein concentrate can have up to five times lower climate impact than soybean meal. This innovation offers farmers a locally produced alternative at a time when agricultural inputs such as feed, fertiliser, and energy have increased by around 75% over the past seven years, mostly driven by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Along with the launch of the facility, MTU has also secured significant recent research funding to expand capacity and scale operations, including coordination of the €8.7 million EU-wide CBE-JU-funded Rural BioReFarmeries project, collaboration with UCD, Carbery and other partners on the €6.1 million Horizon Europe EMBEDED project, and funding through MTU's TU RISE programme for the green biorefinery scale-up project DOT.GREEN. These initiatives will drive innovation in grass processing across both sites and position Ireland at the forefront of Europe's green biorefinery movement.

Hugh McGlynn, VP of Research, MTU, said, "This scale-up of MTU's green biorefinery research activity is a landmark moment for MTU and for Ireland. It shows our commitment to working with partners across the country and Europe to find solutions that genuinely benefit farmers, the environment and the community. By turning our grasslands into new opportunities, we are helping rural Ireland prosper into the future."

MTU continues to work closely with a wide range of Irish partners, including UCD, Carbery Group, Premier Green En...

The European Motor Show 2026 has announced a comprehensive Autism Inclusion & Sensory Support Plan, including a dedicated Sensory Room, quiet spaces and a range of on-site supports, designed to help autistic children, teenagers, adults and their families enjoy the two-day motor festival in a comfortable, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Taking place at the RDS, Dublin, on Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February 2026, the European Motor Show welcomes families from across Ireland. Recognising that large, busy environments can be overwhelming, organisers have put thoughtful measures in place to reduce sensory stress, support regulation and give families greater choice and flexibility when attending the event.

Sensory and Quiet Spaces

A dedicated Sensory Room for autistic children and teens will be available throughout the event. This calm, predictable space will offer:

Soft, low-level lighting

Comfortable sensory seating

Tactile and movement-based regulation tools

Calming visual elements

The room is designed to support regulation and provide a safe space away from the main event areas, allowing young people to take breaks and return when ready.

In addition, a separate Quiet Room for autistic adults will be available. This space will feature minimal lighting, reduced noise, neutral décor and comfortable seating, giving adults the opportunity to step away from sensory demands and regulate at their own pace.

To further support visitors throughout the venue, satellite "calm pods" – discreet black pop-up tents with beanbags or mats – will be positioned across the show floor. These pods are intended for moments when a young person feels overwhelmed and may find it difficult to move through crowds to the main sensory room.

On-Site Supports and Trained Staff

A range of additional sensory supports will be available on site, including:

Visual communication boards (Finding Charlie's Voice)

Clear signage indicating movement or sensory break areas

Access to sensory tools when needed

All sensory spaces and supports will be clearly marked using straightforward language, visual icons and high-contrast signage to aid way finding.

Staff and volunteers across the event will receive guidance on:

Identity-first, respectful language (aligned with AsIAm's Autistic Language & Imagery Guide)

Recognising regulation needs

Clear, neutral communication

Supporting families in a respectful, non-intrusive way

All staff will receive a printed copy of AsIAm's Language Guide as part of their training.

Autism-Friendly Hour and Preparation Supports

Each morning of the event will begin with a dedicated Autism-Friendly Hour from 9:00–10:00 AM, featuring reduced noise, adjusted lighting and lower crowd levels to support a calmer start to the day.

A social story will also be uploaded to the European Motor Show website in advance, helping autistic children, teens and adults prepare for their visit and know what to expect on the day.

A trained Kids Coach support team will be present on site throughout the weekend, offering reassurance, guidance and help accessing sensory supports for autistic visitors and their families.

Clare Kilmartin, COO of the European Motor Show, said; "We know that for many families, attending large events can feel daunting. This Autism Inclusion and Sensory Support Plan is about removing barriers and creating an environment where people feel respected, supported and welcome. Inclusion is not an add-on for us – it's a priority."

The initiative has been developed in collaboration with David Nugent, founder of The Kids Coach. The Kids Coach is an Ireland-based organisation specialising in inclusive and sensory-aware supports for autistic children, teenagers and adults. Founded by David Nugent, The Kids Coach works across schools, community programmes, public events and family supports to help autistic individuals access movement, leisure and everyday environments in a way that feels safe, respectful and empowering. The organisation is known ...

Schooldays.ie, Ireland's leading online resource for parents and teachers, has today published the Parents of Ireland Survey 2026 – Ireland's first major research snapshot focused specifically on the experiences of parents of school going children.

Marking the twentieth anniversary of Schooldays.ie, the survey gathered responses from almost 2,000 parents nationwide. It explores family finances, mental health, learning needs, exam reform, Irish as a compulsory subject, online safety, bullying, mobile phone ownership and parenting styles.

The findings reveal a picture of engaged, collaborative parenting – but also highlight deep concern about access to children's mental health services, the cost of raising a family and the impact of technology on young people.

Commenting on the publication of the report, Richard Murphy, Owner of Schooldays.ie, said: "For twenty years, Schooldays.ie has been alongside parents as they navigate childhood and education. This survey was our opportunity to really listen to them – to capture what family life in Ireland feels like right now.

"What comes through very strongly is that parents are doing their very best: they are talking to their children about consent, bullying and mental health; they are striving for balanced, connected parenting in a world that is changing at speed. At the same time, the findings make it clear that families are under immense pressure – from long waits for assessments and mental health services to the rising cost of everyday life.

"It was important for us to run this survey so that parents have a clear point of reference, and so that schools, service providers and policymakers can see the realities behind the headlines. Our hope is that this report becomes a practical tool for parents and a catalyst for better supports for families across Ireland."

Key findings from the Parents of Ireland Survey 2026

Positive, balanced parenting: Around 80% of parents describe their parenting style as "balanced", with almost 77% saying they typically discipline by talking things through rather than using punishment.

Family connection at mealtimes: Almost half of families eat dinner together every day, with a further 40% doing so a few times a week.

Special educational needs and assessments: 28% of parents report that their child has been assessed for specialist educational needs, yet only 8% rate the assessment and support process as excellent, reflecting ongoing concerns about access and waiting times.

Mental health needs are widespread – and services are stretched: Almost a third (over 27%) of parents say their child has needed mental health services such as counselling or psychiatric support. Of those who used services, 58.7% rated their experience of accessing help as poor or terrible, and more than 61% report waiting six months or longer.

Digital life and mobiles: The majority of parents believe the ideal age for a first mobile phone is 11–15, with in excess of half (55%) selecting 13 as the appropriate age. Most children who own phones are in the older age groups, yet many younger children are active on other internet-connected devices such as tablets and games consoles.

Talking about bullying and consent: Most parents report having conversations with their children about bullying and consent, but a third (34%) have not yet discussed alcohol or drugs, despite widespread access to information and peer influence.

Phones in schools: A majority of parents support restrictions or outright bans on phones during the school day, seeing school as a vital opportunity for children to disconnect from social media and focus on learning and face-to-face friendships.

Irish as a compulsory subject: More than half (56.4%) of parents support Irish remaining compulsory for all students, with further support for compulsory Irish up to Junior Certificate. When combined, around three-quarters of parents favour their children learning Irish for most of their schooling.

Family finances under pressure: 2...

Christopher Paye, Country Director of The Stepstone Group for Ireland, with responsibility for IrishJobs, has revealed his top five hiring predictions for 2026. The recruitment leader is forecasting that AI will become a more deeply embedded part of the recruitment landscape in 2026, with more employers using the technology to accelerate the hiring process.

Businesses in Ireland are expected to continue facing a highly competitive labour market in 2026, with unemployment forecast to remain below 5%. IrishJobs analysis also shows that it can take up to 10 weeks to make a successful hire in Ireland.

IrishJobs research reveals that 70% of employers say that finding candidates with the right skills is their biggest hiring challenge for 2026. With skills gaps continuing to widen in sectors from construction to IT and beyond, more employers are set to take a skills-based approach to hiring over the coming months to better meet their talent needs.

Revealing his hiring predictions for 2025, Christopher Paye, Country Director of The Stepstone Group with responsibility for IrishJobs, commented, "As employers across Ireland develop their recruitment strategies for 2026, The Stepstone Group is spotlighting the key opportunities and challenges ahead to guide more effective hiring.

With employers continuing to face a competitive talent market in the months ahead, securing high-calibre talent with the right skills will be one of the chief concerns for many organisations. Moving from credentials to capabilities when hiring can support employers to broaden the talent pool available and better secure the high-calibre talent that can drive business growth into the future.

With more than half of recruiters struggling with time-intensive manual and administrative tasks, I expect to see more recruiters leverage AI tools and technologies in 2026. From drafting job adverts to scheduling interviews, AI is enabling recruiters to streamline administrative tasks, enhance efficiency and ultimately identify the right candidates for roles more quickly."

Top 5 Hiring Predictions:

· Prediction 1: Skills-based hiring is a top priority for employers

IrishJobs research shows that nearly 7 in 10 businesses say finding candidates with the right skills is the biggest hiring challenge they face and growing skill requirements in many industries are widening this gap.

73% of employers are set to prioritise skills-based hiring in 2026 to address this challenge, with the majority using either structured interviews or case studies to assess skills, according to IrishJobs research. By switching the focus in hiring from credentials to capabilities, employers can expand talent pools and access more diverse high-calibre talent from non-traditional pathways.

· Prediction 2: AI to accelerate hiring for more employers

There are signs that 2026 could be the year when we move from AI experimentation in recruitment to formal enterprise strategy and implementation. IrishJobs research shows that many recruiters are already using AI tools and automation to reduce administrative burdens and streamline the hiring process.

Nearly half of employers (47%) surveyed are using AI to draft job adverts, while 35% of employers are using AI tools to help schedule interviews with job candidates. With recruiters facing an average of 13.5 hours in manual administrative tasks per week, AI will become a key tool for more recruiters in 2026 to enhance efficiency, reduce the time spent on manual tasks, and accelerate the hiring process.

· Prediction 3: Increased focus on the quality of candidate applications

IrishJobs research shows that 73% of recruiters say that screening many irrelevant applications is slowing down the hiring process. 10 weeks is now the median time to successful hire for employers in Ireland. With an increasing number of candidates using AI tools to develop applications for jobs, recruiters are struggling to process a growing number of poor-quality and poor-fit applications.

The...