DUBLIN, Ireland: The number of people employed in social media companies in Ireland has dropped by 11 percent since 2022, according to new government figures that have sparked calls for more substantial support for the digital and technology sectors.

Data from the Department of Enterprise shows that the number of social media firms operating in the country fell from 40 in 2022 to 32 last year. Over the same period, employment in the sector dropped from 15,478 to 13,744.

In response, Digital Business Ireland (DBI) urged the Government to match its stated ambitions for Ireland's digital economy with policies that support business growth and innovation.

While DBI welcomed the Government's pledge to position Ireland as an EU center of digital expertise and a regulatory hub, it said this must be underpinned by a "pro-business, pro-growth" strategy.

DBI is also calling for reforms, including enhanced advisory services from the Data Protection Commission and state enterprise agencies, as well as a push to simplify EU digital regulations and secure new international data transfer agreements.

"The fall-off in jobs in social media companies operating in Ireland provides a timely reminder that Ireland must not take the digital and tech sector for granted," said DBI chairperson Caroline Dunlea. "Government must do more to protect jobs... and safeguard Ireland's reputation as a supportive base for global digital and tech companies."