John Bruton
Question:9 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if the Information Society Commission is involved in the fast track to information technology initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1698/00]
Ceisteanna–Questions. - Information Society Commission.
John Bruton
Question:10 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the Information Society Commission's business community survey. [1724/00]
John Bruton
Question:11 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the way in which the Information Society Commission will provide each person with an e-mail address; if a directory will be made available of these e-mail addresses in the same way as the telephone directory; and, if not, the arrangements, if any, which will be made in this regard. [2319/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 to 11, inclusive, together.
The results of the Information Society Commission's business community survey were published in December last. Overall, the results suggest that Irish businesses are making strong moves to embrace information and communication technology and are more engaged in e-business. While businesses now have a very positive attitude to e-commerce, actual levels are still relatively low. It is also apparent that small and medium enterprises in particular need to do more to keep up with technological changes in the marketplace.
The main findings of the survey are: the vast majority of Irish businesses are now familiar with the terms and services relating to new technology; one third of Irish businesses have more than 75% of their employees using computers; Internet access in the business community compares competitively with the UK, Germany, France, Italy, the USA, Canada and Japan; use of websites for on-line sales by Irish businesses is still relatively low; Irish businesses are more enthusiastic about the information society than their international counterparts; businesses are concerned about IT skills shortages but need to do more to provide training for their staff; and small and medium enterprises are more at risk of being left behind in the e-economy.
Some of these findings have been confirmed by other studies carried out recently, including one by Andersen Consulting, entitled "E-Ireland Takes Off". The findings relating to SMEs are a cause for concern and a range of awareness measures have been put in place, including a national awareness campaign for SMEs run by the commission with IBEC, which involves a series of seminars around the country with the objective of demonstrating the importance of e-commerce to SMEs. Enterprise Ireland has also enhanced the services it offers to SMEs in the e-commerce and information society area.
As regards the provision of e-mail addresses for every citizen, the Deputy's question gives the impression that a decision to this effect has been made already, but this is not the case. The Information Society Commission was asked to assess the possibility and merit of providing an e-mail address and Internet access for every citizen and the commission established a sub-group to look into this matter. The work of that group led to publication of a discussion paper last November, the contents of which I have already outlined to the House. The paper set out a range of options regarding the possible provision of e-mail addresses for citizens. The commission is currently examining the many responses to its discussion paper with a view to preparing recommendations to Government on the question of IT access generally, including possible provision of e-mail for all.
Turning to the fast track to information technology initiative, the Information Society Commission has no direct involvement in this scheme, though it did welcome it in its most recent annual report, saying that it provides a model which can be applied to other sectors and regions. The scheme is, in effect, a partnership arrangement between the State training providers FÁS and the vocational education committees, the local employment services network and the IT industry. It aims to provide training and employment for 3,500 people in the Dublin area over three years. The scheme, aimed primarily at the long-term unemployed, is being driven by the IT industry itself which is assisting in a number of ways, including the development of training curriculums, providing internships, contributing to operating costs and, ultimately, providing jobs and career development paths for the trainees.
Does the Taoiseach agree that Ireland has been relatively slow in the use of e-commerce for selling goods and services produced in Ireland? Does he agree that the findings regarding the low use of websites by Irish businesses are a matter of serious concern? Does he agree that the fact that other countries, such as the US and Scandinavia, have been more assiduous in the development of websites means that they can sell goods into Ireland to the detriment of Irish distributors, as Irish distributors are not quick enough to get onto the Internet?
Use of the Internet has been low here, that is a fact. It has been low in Europe compared to the US where it has doubled or quadrupled every year over the past four to five years. There are a number of reasons for that and not all relate to the Internet. Irish people still like to go to stores and surveys have shown that people will continue to do so as long as it is possible. However, we must still grow and develop. There are various delivery systems such as brochures and catalogues, which people said would not take off, and I believe this will take off, though it may take some time to do so. We are ahead of most of our European counterparts, though we must continue to strive to get to the level of the US. The benefits of e-commerce, e-government and so on are clear and I am very supportive of the efforts to develop this.
Does the Taoiseach agree that complacency is misplaced if we compare ourselves to mainland Europe, given that mainland Europe has an ageing population which is in the post-computer generation? Ireland has a young population which is in the computer generation, so to say we are not far behind or slightly ahead of Europe means we are far behind our real potential as a young country. Does the Taoiseach agree that the problem is that we are not encouraging businesses sufficiently to have their own sites and that it is the selling of Irish goods and services through the Internet that is insufficient? The issue is not one of buying by Irish people, as they can look after that for themselves, but the selling of Irish services by Irish businesses, which is inadequate at the moment.
The Deputy will note that I said we are ahead of most of our European colleagues but that we should strive to reach the US level, so he and I are in agreement on that. The Government has produced six Bills promoting this area in various ways, but we must keep on pushing it, as it is an industry that changes dramatically. All our State industries and the Government generally must build and develop it. The Internet is not being used for sales as much as it could. It is increasing and expanding and we must facilitate it in every way we can by encouraging our agencies and legislatively making it possible.
Does the Taoiseach share the concern many people have about the cyber piracy that has now become manifest whereby individuals can squat on a site such as Campus Ireland.com or Eircom Stadium.com and exercise an extortionist price on the legitimate owners of that enterprise, in this instance the Taoiseach, through the Government's admirable initiative in relation to the Abbotstown project? What initiatives, including legislative, does he intend to take to avoid this type of cyber piracy?
That issue has been brought to my attention. It is first come first served on any particular site. If somebody comes in they can use it. It is wrong that they can do that.
What will the Taoiseach do about it?
Internationally, one cannot do anything about it as of now. While somebody can take the site they cannot use the information, it is what is put in on the site. The official site in this case has also been set up by the company that is setting up a site for the Government. Any of the data which is on the site can be controlled. One cannot control the individual naming the site but one can control the use of the information.
Will the Taoiseach agree this is simply an extension of the protection of copyright and brand names by another name? The private sector looks after itself – caveat practitioner, if that is the correct phrase. In respect of assets owned by citizens, such as Campus Ireland, there is a necessity for every Government agency at every level to ensure its website is properly registered and owned so that the intellectual copyright of the electronic address, from the time it goes up on the screen and the web, is registered in the ownership of the body which actually possesses that name? Will the Taoiseach look at a punitive capital gains tax on cyber pirates? It is outrageous that somebody can gain £50,000 or £60,000 for anticipating the probability that a website will be registered and, due to the munificence of the conservative Minister for Finance, pay capital gains tax at the rate of only 20%. It is piracy and thievery.
I take note of what the Deputy has said. I discussed this matter with the individual who has control of the official Government site the other day who explained the position to me. Under present law what this individual did can legally be done because it is first come first served. While we can control it on the other side, that does not take from the point the Deputy has made. I will look at it to see how it can be dealt with.
Thank you.
Are steps being taken to deal with the various scams taking place regarding the use of information on one's credit card where it is used to purchase goods legally over the Internet but the information is being used for other illegal purposes? This is causing a serious problem and driving up interest rates. Are there proposals to amend consumer protection legislation to protect individuals from goods purchased over the Internet, perhaps from outside the State?
I understand that issue, which is not controlled at present, can be controlled under the new encryption legislation which will come before the House shortly.
On the use of credit cards.
Yes.
My colleague, Deputy Rabbitte, has brought to my attention that the Taoiseach and the Government have an ideal opportunity to introduce the measures I have urged given that the Copyright and Related Rights Bill is on Committee Stage. This would be the classically selected location at which to insert such an amendment. If the Taoiseach wishes, we will draft the amendment. It would be appropriate, either on Committee or Report Stage, when a vehicle is going through the House to deal with this piracy issue.
I will look at it.
Thank you.
Is the Taoiseach satisfied, given the recent successful prosecution in the courts for defamation through the Internet, that sufficient controls and protections exist or is this area of legislation under review, particularly in relation to the defamation of citizens and others?
The legislation which will come before the House is for businesses, for the private sector. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform deals with the legislation, but I think the Deputy is talking about the private sector.
Is it under review?
I cannot say whether the present legislation covers that.
Regarding the Taoiseach's original reply in which he indicated that under-use of the web by Irish businesses is a problem, will he consider the possibility of grant aid for the design costs of websites for small businesses which are in the potential export area?
I have not heard that case made. It is a matter for Enterprise Ireland. I think it is involved in trying to assist small and medium size companies. The final meeting with IBEC and Enterprise Ireland takes place in Tralee on 1 March. They brought in all the small business people and discussed with them what they can do and how they can help. Following that session, which has continued all winter around the country, we await their proposals. Both IBEC and Enterprise Ireland have done a good job in that roadshow.
That concludes questions to the Taoiseach.