Annual Report of e-Work Action Forum Published

Mr. Noel Treacy, T.D., Minister for Science, Technology and Commerce, today (Wednesday 16th May, 2001) welcomed the publication of the first Annual Report of the e-Work Action Forum. The Report covers the period since the Forum’s establishment, in November, 1999, to December, 2000.

Minister Treacy commended the sterling work being undertaken by the Forum and thanked the members for giving their valuable time to advance the e-work agenda. The Report charts the developments and initiatives that have taken place during the period to improve the environment for e-work.

Achievements since the Forum's establishment include:

• the endorsement of a Code of Practice on e-Working by the Social Partners, in fulfilment of a commitment in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness;
• success in achieving a European e-Work award for the Code of Practice;
• the initiation of Enterprise Ireland's e-Work Business Awareness Campaign; and
• the pursuit of measures to improve the fiscal environment for e-work.

Minister Treacy established the Forum in November of 1999, following a recommendation in the Report of the National Advisory Council on Teleworking. The Forum provides a focal point for the ongoing development of an environment which will stimulate e-working (teleworking) employment opportunities and ensure that this method of working achieves its full potential in contributing to economic growth and an improved quality of life. It is also the mechanism to monitor and progress implementation of the recommendations of the Report of the National Council.

Commenting on the Report, Minister Treacy said "I am determined to ensure that progress will continue to be made in the improvement of the operating environment for e-work and that Ireland will become a truly "e-work friendly" location. I am confident that the e-Work Action Forum will play a crucial role in achieving this aim".

Copies of the Annual Report may be purchased from the Government Publications Office, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (Price £5.00). The Report will be available without charge from www.djei.ie/e-work.pdf