Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 4

Written Answers. - Information Technology.

Brian Cowen

Question:

22 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the opportunity, if any, which exists for exporters in the home-shopping market of the US and other countries arising from the emergence of information technologies such as Internet; and the efforts, if any, which are being put in place to take advantage of this opportunity. [10802/95]

David Andrews

Question:

179 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the opportunity, if any, that exists for exporters in the home-shopping market of the US and other countries arising from the emergence of information technologies such as Internet; and the efforts, if any, which are being put in place to take advantage of this opportunity. [11009/95]

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. E. Kenny)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 179 together.

Developments in information technology have provided new and real opportunities for exporters seeking success in the global marketplace. Television shopping, for example, is extremely beneficial for exporters, especially smaller companies, because it allows them to reach an audience which would otherwise be beyond their means.

For the past number of years, An Bord Tráchtála has been working with QVC, a major home-shopping channel in the US, to develop market opportunities for Irish companies. QVC have two dedicated "Irish Days" annually, to coincide with St. Patrick's Day and the Rose of Tralee Festival.

In relation to the Internet specifically, An Bord Tráchtála is currently examining market opportunities for Irish companies in the Worldwide Web (WWW). As the Deputy may be aware, a number of Irish companies have acknowledged the importance of the Internet as a marketing tool and are using it to promote their products, especially in the quality Irish giftware sector.