Seán Haughey
Ceist:89 Mr. Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which e-commerce is being promoted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4432/00]
Written Answers. - Information Communications Technologies.
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, 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.
The Government has recognised the need for a broad based, multi-disciplinary approach to the new challenges presented by the Information Society. Five priority areas have been identified which must be developed to ensure our global competitiveness in the new digital economy: telecommunications infrastructure and costs; education in the use of ICTs; upskilling the existing business sector; effective regulation; and research and development. Decisive action is being taken in these priority areas.
The recent agreement with Global Crossing providing Ireland with international broadband connectivity will enable us to provide up to 15 times the current international capacity out of Ireland at one-tenth of the existing unit costs levels. It will mean that we will become an integral part of a world class communications chain running from the US to Ireland and onwards to 24 European cities. Allied to this is the roll-out of broadband infrastructure to over 120 centres throughout the country, and the launch of Ireland's first digital park in CityWest. In addition, the national development plan sets aside £120 million to promote investment in advanced telecommunications and to develop e-commerce.
In response to the expert group on future skills needs, the Government has allocated more than IR£400 million to various educational initiatives designed to develop appropriate skills, to promote innovation, and to provide an additional 5,400 new third level college places in high technology courses over the next four years.
E-business initiatives are being launched by the development agencies so as to encourage firms to connect to the Internet, to develop strategy, to help with business re-engineering process and to build a critical mass of skilled ICTs users.
This Department, in conjunction with the Department of Public Enterprise, is working to finalise a draft Bill that will give the same legal effect to electronic signatures, electronic writing and electronic contracts as paper based counterparts. The Bill will also provide legal certainty for the conclusion of contracts electronically and the admissibility in court of electronic evidence in civil cases.
Investment in research, related human resources and the application of enabling technologies will allow us to attract new generations of foreign investment and create indigenous firms which are globally competitive. The Government's national development plan provided an overall allocation of almost £2 billion in funding for research, technological development and innovation over the next seven years.
The Forfás report on e-commerce – the policy requirements, which was drafted at my request, was published in August 1999 and serves as a medium term compass for action by Government and businesses alike across a broad range of sectors so as to maximise the potential for the Irish economy in the area of e-business.