Ireland’s public service transformation agenda will take centre stage on Friday, 13 November 2026, with a wide-ranging programme focused on digital innovation, inclusion, collaboration and better outcomes for communities. Organised as part of Public Service Transformation Week, the events bring together public bodies, healthcare teams, education providers and policy professionals.
The programme, published by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation on gov.ie, features online, hybrid and in-person sessions. Topics include artificial intelligence, healthcare innovation, community education, public participation and project delivery.
Public Service Transformation Week highlights
The day begins with an HSE Mid West session at University Hospital Limerick, where participants can learn about the Spark Innovation Programme, available funding and local support for developing and testing healthcare ideas. A separate Spark Connect workshop with the West Galway CAMHS team will focus on mapping service experiences, identifying challenges and refining possible solutions.
Other key events include:
- Workplace interaction training: The Irish Defence Forces and TiLT Role-Play will examine digital workplace simulations and their potential to improve communication, inclusion and collaboration.
- SOLAS community education seminar: Stakeholders will discuss funding, provision, partnership models and the wider social benefits of learning.
- Relational public services webinar: Departments including Health, Justice, Education and the Department of the Taoiseach will explore how trust and meaningful collaboration can improve services.
- Age-Friendly AI: TU Dublin and Dublin City University’s ADAPT Centre will share approaches for involving older adults in artificial intelligence design and governance.
Digital transformation and public participation
Several sessions focus on practical ways to make public services more responsive. The HSE’s Patient Public Partnership Advisory Group webinar will examine how patients and members of the public helped shape its terms of reference and working methods.
Pobal will also present lessons from experiments involving AI agents, knowledge assistants, operational processes and information management. The session is designed to show how structured testing can turn interest in AI into practical capability.
Meanwhile, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality will provide an internal overview of its digital project management handbook, covering early project development, business cases and delivery after approval.
Transport, culture and community initiatives
The programme also reflects the breadth of public sector innovation. The Department of Transport will present the Greenways website, a central source of information on routes, facilities, attractions and visitor services across Ireland’s greenway network.
In the cultural sector, the Arts Council, National Gallery of Ireland, Irish Museum of Modern Art and National Museum of Ireland will discuss the Intercultural Mentorship Programme 2027 and opportunities for participation.
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Why the programme matters
Public Service Transformation Week provides a practical forum for sharing ideas across organisations. The 13 November schedule connects healthcare, education, transport, culture and central government while highlighting co-design, accessibility and responsible technology.
Its emphasis on lived experience is particularly significant. Sessions on Age-Friendly AI and patient participation show how public bodies can involve service users earlier, helping to build trust and create services that are easier to use.
Key takeaway: Public Service Transformation Week demonstrates that modernising Ireland’s public services is not only about technology. It is also about stronger partnerships, inclusive decision-making and converting tested ideas into improvements for people and communities.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie