Tánaiste Officially Launches Internet Publishing Services Teleworking to Contribute to Employment Creation in Rural Areas - Harney

Tánaiste Mary Harney today (Thursday 9th September, 1999) officially launched Internet Publishing Services (IPS), in Buswells Hotel, Dublin.

IPS is a joint venture between the Irish Farmer's Association and the IMS Group and will operate a service business in the international area of electronic publishing through a network of trained teleworkers in rural areas. IPS plans to have 20 workers employed by the end of 1999.

Speaking at the launch the Tánaiste said "The magnitude of the economic opportunities afforded by the advances in Information and Communication Telecommunications has pushed Information Society and electronic commerce issues to the forefront of the Government's agenda. I am determined that Irish business will be well positioned to reap the rewards from these developments."

"The establishment of a network of trained teleworkers who work from their homes in rural communities is innovative and timely. It is clear that teleworking presents huge opportunities for rural development and offers the potential for a more equitable distribution of economic activity throughout the Country as teleworkers can live in the locations of their choice. This implies a significant potential for teleworking to contribute to employment creation in rural and other disadvantaged areas," the Tánaiste added.

"For generations the family farm has remained the bedrock of rural communities in Ireland. However, in today's Information Age it can be especially challenging for those who find that their skills are not compatible with the needs of the economy. This IPS venture is an excellent way of equipping these people with the necessary skills while allowing them to remain on the farm," the Tánaiste continued.

The Tánaiste wished success to all those involved in IPS whom she hoped would reap the rewards of the new opportunities afforded by the advances in Information and Communication Telecommunications.