Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is a brave Minister who would mention the portal in the current climate, so fair play to you. The Minister referenced 22.7% of business using big data, which is a small figure. I appreciate he said the figures are not where he would like them to be. Of the 75% not using big data, a substantial portion could and should be using it. I would like a bigger focus on encouraging that.

We must invest to grow indigenous digital enterprises and increase the attractiveness of Ireland as a location for leading digital enterprises. This has to be the focus and a growth area for the future. There is no reason we cannot become an international economic leader in cutting-edge digital technologies. We already have a significant strategic advantage due to the network of multinational and indigenous tech companies, as well as third-level research institutions focused on digital tech. With smart and strategic investment, Ireland can leverage these advantages and ensure we become a world leading digital society and economy. That is what the ambition needs to be.

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