Vol. 482 No. 5
8 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current position in relation to the proposals for a digital park to develop content industries using the most modern information technology as announced on 9 April 1997, as part of the information society initiative. [17607/97]
The report of the Information Society Steering Committee, entitled "Information Society Ireland: Strategy for Action" was launched by the previous Government in March 1997. That report recommended that the development of a digital park would act as a centre of excellence for the creation, provision and export of content for the information society.
The feasibility of creating such a park in Ireland is currently being examined by Forfás by way of a commissioned study. The study will assist in identifying target markets which could be developed via a digital park; identifying ways in which a competitive advantage can be developed for these markets in the park; developing proposals for the establishment of the park through licensing and other means; examining location considerations; and determining the structure and operation of a digital park.
The target date for completion of the study is the end of December 1997.
I thank the Minister of State for that information. I look forward to the report being published and the digital park being approved. Does the Government propose any further initiatives or tax breaks for second and third level education to encourage the advancement of technology studies? That would ensure schools and colleges have all technology training available to them.
Will the Minister of State confirm that the announcement of the Minister for Education today concerning the education technology investment fund was actually announced previously by the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bruton?
I am surprised that Deputy Owen should make a statement like that because she is an experienced Deputy. This is an exciting proposal and we are committed to the project. We hope to be able to replicate it in satellite positions around the country. We made a historic statement today with the announcement of a commitment to technological investment of £250 million over the next five years at all third level colleges and in various other facets of activity. Commensurate with that dedicated financing there will be an opportunity for the private sector to make additional investments. We will also be considering other innovative measures to ensure further moneys will be available in this area. The Government's commitment is not in doubt and when it makes commitments it is prepared to pay for them.
The Deputy's party leader and colleagues have made statements and decisions in the past, and particularly this year, about various projects and proposals, but no capital was earmarked or made available for them. The Government is responsible and will ensure that when action plans are put forward capital will be available for them. They cannot be pie in the sky, they must be sustainable.
What about Sunday trading?
The Deputy can be certain that today is an historic one for the country.
We watched Sunday trading take a hike today and we will see what else takes a hike.
