Ireland’s public service transformation agenda will take centre stage on Monday, 9 November 2026, as Public Service Transformation Week begins with a programme focused on digital government, data, artificial intelligence and better access to services. The schedule, published on gov.ie by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, brings together public bodies, healthcare organisations and innovation teams.
Public Service Transformation Week 2026 programme
The launch conference at Croke Park will be the flagship event, running from 09:00 to 16:30 and available by invitation only. Under the theme “Stronger Together: Delivering the Public Services of the Future”, public service leaders will examine how data, life-event services and AI can support more joined-up government.
Interactive stands will also showcase transformation projects from across the public service. While many sessions are reserved for invited participants or internal audiences, several online events are open to public service bodies.
- Healthcare improvement capability and operational excellence at St James’s Hospital
- Energy management, climate obligations and ISO 50001 at Clare County Council
- Revenue work placements designed to introduce young people to public service careers
- Digital recruitment and end-to-end eRecruitment innovation
- A whole-system approach to improving symptomatic breast cancer services
- The digital transformation of Ireland’s Museum Standards Programme
- New induction eLearning and learning resources for departmental staff
- Using gender pay gap data to advance equality
Digital public services and workforce capability
A central message of the programme is that lasting reform depends on people as much as technology. The healthcare session will explore how structured governance, Lean thinking, executive sponsorship and work-based projects can help organisations move from individual improvement projects to a sustained culture of learning.
Other sessions highlight practical applications of digital tools. Clare County Council will discuss modernising recruitment, while the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment will present a digital induction and learning hub for new, returning and existing staff.
Irish-language services and equality policy
The programme also reflects wider public service priorities. An event organised by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, alongside IBEC, will discuss the Action Plan for Irish Language Public Services 2026–2028. It will consider the target of increasing the proportion of staff competent in Irish through recruitment and promotion by 31 December 2030.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality will examine national strategy measures, legislation and the Gender Pay Gap Portal. The session is intended to show how reporting data can support policy action and strengthen progress towards workplace equality.
Read more: Ireland public service and government updates
For further reporting on Irish government departments, public sector reform and national policy, visit Daily Digest Ireland news and explore the latest Irish public affairs and media updates.
What the week means for public services
The agenda links transformation with issues affecting organisations across the State, including healthcare access, climate action, recruitment, heritage administration and equality. It also complements the work of bodies such as the Health Service Executive, Revenue Commissioners and other public agencies that are developing more accessible and digitally enabled services.
For the public, the long-term objective is simpler interaction with government: services that are easier to find, better connected and designed around important life events rather than organisational boundaries. The programme’s focus on data and AI also underlines the importance of responsible innovation, strong governance and public trust.
Explore more: Irish public sector innovation
Readers interested in technology, public administration and Irish innovation can browse Ireland business and innovation features, alongside coverage of digital transformation and public service developments across the country.
Key takeaway
Public Service Transformation Week 2026 presents Ireland’s reform programme as a collaborative effort involving departments, councils, hospitals and public bodies. Its strongest message is clear: better public services will depend on combining digital innovation with capable teams, inclusive policy and a whole-system approach to delivery.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie