IoD Ireland Survey Reveals Strong AI Adoption by Directors but Significant Gaps in Preparedness for New Laws

The IoD snap poll, completed by 378 Directors and senior business leaders across multiple sectors, highlights that 85% of leaders now classify themselves as beginner to intermediate users of digital and AI tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. Half of the respondents (50%) identify as intermediate users, with a further 35% at beginner level, signalling broad engagement but uneven depth of confidence in Digital and AI tools in capability and knowledge. 

With the Government’s overview of the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026 now published, readiness among respondents appears low, with 65% reporting that they do not understand what Government’s new AI rules will mean for their organisation. Similarly, 64% of directors believe that they, and their organisations, are not equipped for the implementation of the Bill. 

Despite uncertainty about upcoming changes in the law, respondents clearly view AI as strategically important:

• 78% say AI is important or critical for competitiveness in their sector; of which 
  • 46% identify operational efficiency as the most immediate benefit; and 
  • 32% say AI will be essential for staying ahead of competitors. 

The findings also showed that 61% of organisations have already implemented AI to a certain/high degree, and a further 34% are evaluating future use. However, just 33% have a formal strategy in place that incorporates the effective use of AI, while 43% are only now beginning to develop one, and 24% do not. 

Despite increasing pressure for oversight and transparency in the use of emerging technologies, just 48% of boards have discussed AI governance at a formal meeting in the past year. When asked about reliance on AI-generated summaries for board papers, 76% of respondents said such outputs should only supplement – and not replace – their personal review of board materials. Only 6% believe that AI summaries can be relied upon as a primary tool. 

Commenting on the research findings, Caroline Spillane, CDir, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Ireland, said:

"This research provides a clear message: Irish leaders recognise the transformative potential of AI, but the pace of adoption is outstripping the development of governance, skills, and regulatory preparedness. With more than half of organisations already using AI tools, boards must now ensure they have the literacy, guardrails, and oversight mechanisms required to deploy AI responsibly. However, just one-third of respondents have a formal strategy in place that incorporates the effective use of AI, while 43% are only now beginning to develop one. 

As Ireland prepares for new legislative frameworks, directors have a critical role to play. Strong AI governance is no longer optional - it is central to safeguarding competitiveness, public trust, and organisational resilience."

Reflecting on supporting directors and members in AI Governance Caroline Spillane CDir, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Ireland, commented: 

"IoD Ireland is developing a new AI Governance Toolkit to support members by providing practical resources that support directors in strengthening their AI governance capabilities. The new Toolkit will launch this Wednesday."

The IoD Ireland AI and Business Confidence Snap Poll (Q1 2026) gathered data from 24 February – 6 March 2026, with response from 378 directors and business leaders, all of whom are IoD Ireland members. The respondents represent a wide range of businesses as well as State or semi-State bodies, not-for-profit organisations, SMEs, and plc/multinationals.