Ireland at the Leading Edge of Internet and E-Commerce Business - Tánaiste Digital Park for Citywest, Saggart

Speaking at the launch today (Monday 5th July 1999) of the Government Electronic Commerce Initiative and the official opening of the Digital Park at Citywest, Saggart, Tánaiste Mary Harney said "I am committed, on behalf of the Government, to ensuring that Ireland is at the leading edge of Internet and e-commerce business developments. Our commitment goes beyond the putting in place of vital infrastructures such as the Digital Park in Saggart and international broadband connectivity. I am determined to forge ahead with other policies and instruments that will enable Ireland to get as large a slice as possible of the forecast US$3 trillion dollar business by 2002. A key component of our strategy is the attraction of high quality foreign direct investment with a lead role being taken by IDA Ireland in this regard".

The Tánaiste went on to say "my Policy Framework on e-commerce, scheduled for publication within weeks, will serve as a medium term compass for further action by Government and businesses alike. This Policy Framework will consider appropriate strategies across a broad range of sectors in order to maximise the potential for the Irish economy in the sphere of e-commerce".

Specifically, the Tánaiste's Framework will have strategies geared towards:

Developing existing businesses which have or could have a high telecommunications or Internet reliance. Fostering organic growth of strong indigenous electronic commerce companies and the creation of higher value-added, knowledge-intensive, better-paid jobs. Promoting Ireland's reputation as an attractive location for investment, particularly in leading edge electronic commerce projects. Enhancing and underpinning the competitiveness of Irish businesses generally in the face of its competitors elsewhere who are also exploiting the potential of electronic commerce.,p> "E Commerce is creating revolutionary change in how business is conducted globally. Every Irish enterprise needs to develop and execute aggressive strategies to respond to the opportunities and threats to their competitive position presented by the new technologies. Companies must build profitable relationships electronically," the Tánaiste stated.

To help Irish companies rapidly achieve capability in e-commerce the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has developed a strategy which involves

a national e-commerce awareness initiative by Enterprise Ireland especially designed for SMEs, using web based resources. encouraging companies to develop e-commerce capabilities through use of Enterprise Ireland supports for management, marketing and skills development. Enterprise Ireland will build on its successes with e-commerce companies such as Baltimore Technologies and aim to encourage more companies to exploit the opportunities presented. to make this happen the Board of Enterprise Ireland has established a special e-commerce Unit.

The Tánaiste said that the Digital Park in Saggart was an important magnet for the attraction of high value added e-commerce and internet enterprises. She acknowledged the key role of Forfas in the establishment of the Park.