The Taoiseach has said the Government will set out further ways next week "to reduce the cost and regulatory burden on businesses".
Micheál Martin said the measures will form part of "a coordinated series of actions across Government" as part of an action plan on competitiveness and productivity.
He said there will also be actions to support research and development and innovation.
Mr Martin said the plan will also focus on improving planning and regulation, as well as investing in infrastructure and energy reform.
"We need to move forward initiatives to tackle the costs of doing business - and these include unreasonable delays in getting decisions," he said.
Speaking at the Ibec President's Dinner in the RDS in Dublin, Mr Martin said: "By any definition these are times of profound challenge. Economically, socially, environmentally and culturally, old certainties are disappearing."
However, he told the attendees that, as an optimist, he believes Ireland can and will "overcome the challenges of this moment because there are certain core values and principles which remain as valid as ever".
On the issue of the tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump on exports from the EU to the US, the Taoiseach said the confirmation of a single, all-inclusive 15% rate on EU goods, "avoids a harmful tariff-escalation across the Atlantic and ensures continued access to American markets".
However, he said there are areas where further work remains to be done, including "a potential carve-out for med-tech products and spirits."
He said he hopes the negotiations "will be advanced as quickly as possible".
"We will continue to advocate for these sectors not just because of their significant importance to our domestic economy, but also because of their unique and positive reciprocal contributions to the American economy," he added.
The Taoiseach told the more than 800 guests in the RDS, that key to Ireland’s competitiveness and continued economic success is "critical, growth enhancing infrastructure."
He insisted the Government is "working to identify the barriers to infrastructure delivery and how we can act quickly to find solutions."
"We are giving a clear and certain message both internationally and domestically that through increased funding and meaningful reform, this Government will deliver on infrastructure," Mr Martin added.
"In the coming weeks, we will set out more actions of reform. We are engaging with industry on this. I am determined to have reforms that are grounded in practical, real-world knowledge and experience," he said.
On the issues of digital and artificial intelligence, the Taoiseach told the Ibec event that investment in skills and innovation will also remain vital for shaping the country’s future.
"Not only must we increase our support for research and innovation, we must also move fast to engage with transformative developments," Mr Martin said.
The Taoiseach said that AI could be "a game-changer in many positive ways".
"We are determined that Ireland will be a vibrant location for AI innovation, building on our long-standing reputation as a global technology hub," he said.
He said the Government will continue to work closely with the EU to ensure that the AI Act is "implemented in an appropriate way, to deliver the right balance, while also enabling innovation and growth".
And as part of the efforts to ensure future competitiveness, he said the coalition is "committed to significantly accelerating the digitalisation of enterprise, public services and the wider economy."
He pledged to continue to support enterprise to drive AI literacy and ensure the workforce is prepared to fully embrace the opportunities of AI.
