Ulick Burke
Question:89 Mr. U. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the key targets for the development of e-commerce on a regional basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26679/00]
Written Answers. - Information Communications Technologies.
Michael Noonan
Question:162 Mr. Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures she plans to introduce to promote the development of e-commerce here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26658/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 162 together.
The use of advanced information communications technologies has become the most significant driver of world economic growth. ICTs are the catalysts through which enterprise, whether traditional or new and irrespective of location, can create sustained competitive advantage for its products and services on world markets. ICTs are also the catalysts through which enterprise can create quality and sustainable employment. Innovative strategies that capitalise on the power of the Internet are required and new business models that respond to customer demands in the knowledge economy must be developed.
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 also that the full potential of ICTs is realised for the benefit of our enterprise and employment. Government also has a vital role to play in supporting the new digital revolution and is committed to asserting its leadership role through, for example, the information society action plan, the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness and the eEurope 2002 action plan, and by accelerating the move towards the on-line delivery of public services and the development of Ireland as a knowledge economy.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment 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 throughout Ireland that can exploit the new knowledge economy as follows.
In the areas of telecommunications infrastructure, regulation and costs, the Department is inputting into the development of a legislative and regulatory regime to achieve the Government's objective to have vigorous competition by world class telecommunication services providers which will supply low cost broadband – Internet – connectivity throughout this country. Last year, our Government committed IR£61 million to the global crossing international connectivity project and a further IR£50 million to 13 regional broadband projects. A further sum of IR£150 million has been set aside under the national development plan for further e-commerce infrastructure projects which will address the telecommunications infrastructure needs in the regions.
In the area of awareness and access, our development agencies are assisting business to adopt and harness the potential of ICT through acceleration initiatives and by developing business and consumer trust in e-business through awareness campaigns in a public private partnership with the relevant sectoral organisations.
The Government is encouraging investment in education, skills and training through bodies such as the expert group on future skills needs, the education sector and FÁS to develop the appropriate skills, to promote innovation and to meet the emerging skills gaps, particularly in the ICT industries and e-business areas.
In the research and development area, 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 and international bodies, we are building 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.
Government is maximising the use of ICT in a co-ordinated client centred manner to deliver services to business, consumers and citizens through the Reach, OASIS and BASIS projects.
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.