Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 6

Ceisteanna–Questions. - Ireland America Economic Advisory Board.

John Bruton

Question:

18 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he intends to hold a meeting of the Ireland America Economic Advisory Board when he visits the United States of America in March; the items that will be on the agenda at that meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5025/99]

For several years it has been normal practice to hold a meeting of the Ireland America Economic Advisory Board during the Taoiseach's visit to the United States over the St. Patrick's Day period. In accordance with this precedent, I intend to chair a meeting of the advisory board in Washington on Thursday, 18 March. I anticipate that the meeting will consider the Northern Ireland Peace Process and developments in the Irish economy, including in particular telecommunications.

Will the Taoiseach consider placing the potential of the Internet and the changes it will make in the way business is transacted on the agenda of the Ireland America Advisory Board, given that a number of its members are highly expert in this area? America is ahead of Europe in the development of the Internet and potentially Ireland could be a bridge for the development into Europe of some of the more advanced ideas in business development through e-commerce.

E-commerce and connectivity is on the board's agenda. A number of its members are expert in this area and were helpful in bringing the advisory group on telecommunications on board.

Will the Taoiseach avail of the opportunity of this meeting to see if there is a possibility of some American investment being made in the development of broadband infrastructure linking the Citywest centre and the Financial Services centre in a highly developed broadband communications system, which would enable us to do things in those areas in a more advanced way than is possible in other areas? The Taoiseach is fully aware of this proposal. Is there a possibility that American support, through the board, might be forthcoming for this exciting development?

I will explore that possibility. The new head of IDA Ireland will be with me at the meeting as usual. IDA Ireland is exploring the possibility of doing this on the basis of a public-private partnership. We will discuss that.

Top
Share