Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 8

Written Answers. - Telematique Programme.

Enda Kenny

Question:

193 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the allocation received by Ireland under the Telematique programme dealing with advances in telecommunications service in backward regions in each of the years from 1988 to 1992; the uses to which this money has been put; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Cowen)

The Telematique Initiative of the EC is a two year initiative covering the years 1992 and 1993. Ireland's allocation under the programme is 11 million ECU (approximately £8.8 million). Ireland has drawn down some £2.5 million to date. I expect that the balance of the funds available will be expended during the current year.

The Programme has been used to provide for the stimulation of the use of advanced telecommunications services (ATS) for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) through aid for promotion, feasibility studies, demonstrations, pilot actions, provision of software and equipment; the stimulation of the supply of ATS by SMEs through aid to create new activities and development of current activities, etc. as prescribed by the European Commission in its Technical Guide for the Programme.

In all some 33 projects in various parts of the country are being funded under the Programme.