Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jun 1996

Vol. 467 No. 5

Written Answers. - National Information Strategy.

Michael McDowell

Question:

32 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the reason he omitted representatives of the National Newspapers of Ireland from the committee recently established to formulate a national information society strategy. [13654/96]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

On 4 March 1996, I announced the establishment of a steering committee to develop a national information society strategy and action plan.

In drawing up the steering committee my aim was to cover a broad range of interests while at the same time keeping the committee to a manageable size. The information society is very broadranging and many sectors have legitimate interests. It was not possible to include all of these but the consultation process will ensure that the views of all relevant sectors will be taken on board even where a particular sector or group, such as the National Newspapers of Ireland are not specifically represented on the committee.

Submissions have been invited by way of direct mailing and advertising in the national newspapers and a significant number have already been received.

I can assure the Deputy that the views of all relevant interest groups will be taken into account by the committee in the course of its deliberations.