Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
167. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the work that his Department is undertaking to fully utilise broadband connectivity in increasing sustainable employment given that Ireland is set to become one of the most connected countries in Europe for fibre broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23355/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSecure, high quality, universal digital connectivity is central to realising the economic, social and environmental opportunities offered by digital technologies, such as productivity gains for businesses, increased remote working, and greater access to talent and skills.
Access to high-quality broadband is also essential to supporting the attractiveness of regional locations to investment which will further increase Ireland’s competitiveness in a global context. This, in combination with the improved access to remote working, will lead to improved potential for sustainable employment in the regions.
Digital Infrastructure is one of four key dimensions of the Government's National Digital Strategy, Harnessing Digital: The Digital Ireland Framework. A robust broadband infrastructure will be vital in enabling businesses to take advantage of digital technologies and to increase sustainable employment.
Good connectivity will be essential in achieving our goal of driving a step change in the digitalisation of businesses. The National Digital Strategy also sets out specific targets in this regard including: 75% enterprise take-up of cloud, big data, and AI by 2030; and 90% of SMEs at a basic level of digital intensity by 2030.
The National AI Strategy, AI – Here for Good, sets out how Ireland can be an international leader in using AI to benefit our economy and society, through a people-centred, ethical approach to its development, adoption and use. The National AI Strategy outlines a roadmap for ensuring that Ireland has a future-oriented workforce with the skills to drive the development, deployment and use of AI.
The adoption of digital technologies by all businesses, in particular SMEs, is vital to sustain Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for leading digital enterprises; and maximise the benefits of the digital transition for the wider ecosystem, across productivity, innovation and competitiveness.
In addition to facilitating the uptake of digital technologies, broadband connectivity facilitates remote working for employees. Last year, my Department launched the National Remote Work Strategy, Making Remote Work, whose objective is to ensure that remote working is a permanent feature of the Irish workplace in a way that maximises economic, social and environmental benefits. Widespread, high-speed connectivity is key to achieving that objective.
Our overall digital connectivity target, as outlined in the National Digital Strategy, is to ensure that all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network service no later than 2028, with all populated areas covered by 5G by no later than 2030.
