Billy Timmins
Question:41 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans she has to develop e-commerce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21628/00]
Written Answers. - E-commerce Development.
The challenges posed by the digital economy are not only technological but, to a large extent, strategic in nature. Ireland must ensure in the immediate future that not only are the basic infrastructural requirements put in place but the full potential of ICTs is realised for the benefit of our enterprise and employment. In much the same way as we see convergence in the ICT area, a similar convergence and close collaboration between Departments and public agencies is necessary especially if the mix of policies to deliver on Ireland's e-business agenda are to be produced.
Our Department will promote, in collaboration with other Departments, the State agencies and the private sector, and at international level as members of the European Union, the WTO, the OECD and the UN, an environment which is conducive to building a critical mass of business that can exploit the new knowledge economy by:
–developing, promoting and implementing policies to achieve the Government's objective to have vigorous competition by world class telecommunication services providers which will supply low cost, broadband connectivity throughout the country, such as the Global Crossing and 360 Networks broadband connectivity projects;
–assisting business to adopt and harness the potential of ICT users through our development agency initiatives and by developing business and consumer trust in e-business through awareness campaigns in a public private partnership with the relevant sectoral organisations;
–encouraging, through bodies such as the expert group on future skills needs, the education sector and FÁS, investment in people as well as technology; investment in educational-training initiatives designed to develop appropriate skills, to promote innovation, and to meet the emerging skills gaps, particularly in the ICT industries and e-business areas;
–ensuring that initiatives such as the Technology Foresight Fund and the European Union's Framework Programme of Research, Technological Development and Demonstration 1998-2002, are used to establish Ireland as a location for world class research excellence in niche areas within the ICT and e-business areas;
–by working closely with other Departments, to build a balanced e-regulation framework, which creates the necessary confidence and trust in e-business by enterprise and consumers alike and which encourages growth in the area. To ensure that the regulatory framework, including the increasing number of international legal instruments, is consistent with this Department's objectives for the promotion of the knowledge economy, and to encourage a global approach to regulation reflecting the transnational nature of e-business;
At national level, by working with interested parties, including the social partners, consumer groups, internet service providers, etc. to bring forward codes of practice, where appropriate, to contribute to the proper functioning of the knowledge based economy consistent with respecting the rights of business, citizens and consumers;
–maximising the use of ICT in a client centred manner for the delivery of Government services to business, consumers and citizens. The Reach initiative, through which electronic services will be made available to the citizen, and the Revenue Commissioners' online system, were launched in recent weeks. Our own Department is currently developing BASIS, an online service, for all interactions between business and Government.
These initiatives are being implemented in a co-ordinated manner and aim to ensure that Ireland will be a world leader in the digital economy.