Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

On 30 June, the Minister, Deputy Bruton, announced the establishment of a cross-Government implementation group on cloud computing. This group, which is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department, comprises representatives of Departments and agencies responsible for all aspects of cloud computing policy, IT procurement, security, infrastructure and enterprise policy. The group last met on 28 September. In addition, the group's work was complemented by a parallel process of engagement which resulted in 23 meetings with representative bodies and individual companies being facilitated by my Department.

In conducting its work, the group examined the opportunities and challenges presented by cloud computing for business and government from the following perspectives: (i) the cloud as a source for exports, growth and jobs; (ii) the adequacy of key infrastructures; (iii) the regulatory environment; (iv) the opportunities and benefits for indigenous enterprises; (v) the opportunities for attracting foreign direct investment; and (vi) Government as a leader and user of the cloud.

The Secretary General of the Department, upon his recent retirement, submitted a draft interim report to the Minister. This report is currently being reviewed by the group and it is intended that the group will meet shortly for the purpose of agreeing the content of the report and an action plan to implement its recommendations. The group's final report is expected before the end of this year.

Ireland is extremely well placed to take advantage of the rapidly growing international potential of cloud computing. A recent report commissioned by Microsoft has estimated that, by 2014, the cloud computing industry in Ireland could be worth €9.5 billion and employ between 8,500 and 9,000 people. Now, more than ever, we must do everything we can to seize opportunities like this. These jobs will be created automatically, and the Government must act decisively and urgently if we are to position Ireland as a world leader in this high-growth sector. The commitment in the programme for Government on cloud computing sets out the Government's intentions in this important area of the ICT industry.

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