ADDRESS BY MR NOEL TREACY T.D., MINISTER FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMERCE, AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE PLATO WEBSITE IN CLONTARF CASTLE HOTEL, ON TUESDAY, 8TH DECEMBER 1998, AT 7.15 P.M.

I am delighted to be here this evening, to perform the official launch, of the Plato Website. I wish to sincerely congratulate Plato on their initiative and commitment, in working to fast track the introduction of Internet Technology and give its people the opportunity, to get ahead in "the internet tidal wave."

As you all know Plato, was originally developed in Belgium in 1988 and was brought to Ireland, by the Tallaght Partnership, in 1993. The first Plato programme in Ireland took place in Tallaght, between 1993 and 1995, when four additional regions were established -Cork; Kildare; Limerick; and Louth/Newry & Mourne, the first cross border programme.

In 1997 a further three new regions-North Dublin; Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown and Wicklow, and North-West (Donegal/Derry) were added to the Plato programme.

The Plato business training and networking programme offers an unique and different form of support, than anything else, currently on offer. Apart from developing managerial and business skills, it offers the opportunity for businesses to tap into the wide network of contacts, that company owners are exposed to, both at home and abroad. It also provides an unique opportunity for the development of cross border business opportunities.

The Plato Small Business Network, is now the fastest growing business development network in Ireland. The programme is currently running in 6 regions, in Ireland involving 90 of the country's largest companies and 800 small to medium sized businesses. Two cross-border networks have also led to the decision to implement the programme in Belfast, thus creating the first all Ireland interactive small business initiative.

The Plato programme, represents a trans-national learning experience for us, in Ireland and has provided a sound foundation, for an active regional and national network. It shows us how local networks can be developed and sustained, by small firms, which co-operate, to share information and experience.

These firms see themselves, facing similar challenges due to growing competition, in both their home and foreign markets.

To meet these challenges these companies know they must make strategic changes, in a number of diverse areas, including products and services, production methods, marketing and the supply of goods and services.

One growth area which is emerging as being fundamental to the growth of these businesses is the Internet. More and more businesses, are setting up web sites, to promote their products and services, creating networking and clustering opportunities for businesses, to inter-trade, on a national and international level, and thereby boost their sales and activities. The demand for Internet skills is at an all-time high and there is a growing need for investment of both time and money in this area by businesses and by groupings of businesses.

The Internet is of fundamental importance to all businesses and particularly to smaller businesses in Ireland. The "Web" is a powerful research, advertising and commercial tool that provides users with a shop window to the world, overcoming disadvantages of both scale and location.

Internet users have the opportunity to access information, purchase products, and sell their goods and services around the world. Small companies, for example, will be able to put information about themselves on the site which will appear in a professional and streamlined format.

The new Plato Ireland Interactive Web Site (www.plato.ie) was developed jointly by managers of the various Plato who recognised the growing importance of the internet for business. They have designed an innovative web site focused on enhancing the Plato network which exists.

This Web Site is a valuable resource in itself and I would encourage Plato companies to use it

• for networking, with other companies;
• for getting information;
• for finding links to other web sites; and
• for seeking opinions from other companies, on specific issues.

Plato identified two audiences who would use the site:

• Plato participants
• External people, looking for information, about Plato.

Plato participants were identified as being the primary audience for the site, while it also recognised the importance of providing useful information about Plato to other people.

In developing the site, the priority was to develop a site which Plato companies, would use regularly. A lot of thought went into ensuring that this site would contain content, that would be of "real" value to Plato companies.

The site will be a central point of information on the activities in the Plato network in Ireland and also a useful source of information on business issues in general. Plato have tried to ensure that as well as looking attractive, that it will include features which will be of practical use to its users.

Plato identified a specific way in which they could achieve this:

• By keeping users up to date with activities in Plato, both nationally and in their own region, through an electronic noticeboard.

• By putting the Plato directory on the site, which would make it easy to find Plato companies through key word searches.

• By setting up a Networking Noticeboard, where participants could post any specific requests which they may have, for example, seeking suppliers or partners.

• By putting in place a Discussion Forum, where participants could place comments and questions about business issues, which could be replied to by other participants.

• By including in the Expert Tips area of the site seminar notes or articles from specialists who have spoken at Plato seminars or group meetings.

Another priority was that specific areas of the site would be easy to update on a regular basis and that companies would be able to change information held about them in the on-line directory. There will also be a section giving an overview of Plato in Ireland and internationally, the Plato regions in Ireland, the Plato model, the parent companies and supporting agencies.

The site will contain a Signpost to other relevant sites on the net, through the Links, which include State Agencies, Government Departments, Banks, Professional Bodies and overseas entrepreneurial sites.

The result of this planned effort and commitment is a highly professional web site which is a major marketing tool on the Internet for Plato. The potential for the Plato web site is limitless in terms of what it will contribute to Plato by enabling rapid communication between businesses in a way that will be interactive and responsive.

Finally, may I take this opportunity to acknowledge and congratulate Plato once again, for displaying their initiative in establishing this web site and I wish you all every success in all of your endeavours.