Since my appointment, I have engaged in a wide range of briefings, meetings and conferences in connection with information society issues and a list of some key such engagements included in the following table.
The action plan "New Connection" sets out the agenda for the development of the information society in the coming years. A large number of Ministers and Departments have responsibility for advancing various aspects of that agenda. My role will involve monitoring progress in implementing the action plan, with particular regard to advancing strategic priorities. Co-ordination of the agenda will be facilitated through the Cabinet committee on the information society, on which I have a lead functional responsibility, supported by the policy unit in the Department of the Taoiseach which reports to me.
Conference and Meeting Schedule for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Information Society
FunctionMeeting with the Information Society Commission
Address at the 3rd Plenary of the British-Irish Council, Jersey – Knowledge Economy
Meeting with eStrategy Group of Secretaries General
Meeting with John MacNamara, ebci (e-business certification institute) in relation to the "e-Ireland Digital Dividend Initiative"
Meeting with Ireland Off-Line
Meeting with Chris Horn
Visit to Donegal Integrated Services Centre
Launched Esat BT's ‘NetSmart' Internet products
Meeting with Stewart MacKinnon, Chief Executive, Irish Payment Services Organisation
Visit Council Offices, Killarney, to view award-winning website, and pilot projects using IT in support of the EU tendering process
Visit to Ennis Information Age Town
Hosted lunch for Minister from Korea, to discuss modernisation of the public service including e-government
Local Government Computer Services Board Conference on eGovernment for Local Authorities, Limerick
Irish Organisation for Geographic Information, Red Cow Inn
