Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 137: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which potential business opportunities in the area of digital trade facilitation have been explored since December 2008; the opportunities which have been identified; the progress of the enterprise promotion agencies in identifying further key sectors to target as outlined in the Building Ireland's Smart Economy A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal report. [43135/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is already a large number of data-intensive multinationals located in Ireland and a critical mass has been developed in this field. This is contributing to a broad pool of skills in the operations of digital centres as well as in the development of new technologies such as in energy reduction. The fact that Google, eBay, Facebook, PayPal and others have major activities here increases our profile internationally and gives further credibility to our quest to identify additional investors. Ireland therefore, is well placed to attract additional projects, including those in trade-related data. IDA Ireland's marketing activity in this regard is ongoing, and will be deployed to secure appropriate projects in this regard whenever possible.

Enterprise Ireland has been very active in assisting approximately 350 companies in the indigenous digital sector through ongoing funding support at Third Level, Start-up, established and scaling companies. Enterprise Ireland has labelled the sector TIME (Telecom Internet Media and Edutainment). The digital software sector represents one of the key areas for indigenous start-ups. Digital related HPSUs accounted for 50% of software start-ups. The emergence of a cluster of such companies during 2007-2008, offers the potential for addition export growth for 2010-2012 and has the potential to mirror the Telco/mobile growth during the mid-1990s.

Further research is being undertaken by Forfás on the opportunities in the field of electronic trade facilitation and a number of consultations have been undertaken in this regard. The degree to which Ireland could provide support to the international standards process, and the form such support could take, has been considered, as have the enterprise opportunities that might arise were Ireland to be seen as having a central role in this process. Such opportunities could be related to particular aspects of the trade process, and could perhaps arise in areas such as trade finance, authentication, tracking and monitoring, legal processes, etc. and the associated software and services provision. I understand that Forfás is currently examining the possibility of support for the establishment in Ireland of an international body or organisation in a field related to electronic trade facilitation, in order to signal Ireland as being active and enthusiastic in this field. I would be confident that this would encourage further development of business activities in related areas.

In April 2010, the Revenue Commissioners will co-host the World Customs Organisation's (WCO) IT Conference and Exhibition. The theme for this conference will be "Fusing data to deliver integrated business solutions". This conference and exhibition will provide an ideal opportunity to showcase Ireland. By bringing worldwide attention to Ireland and its interest in this field, we will increase our international profile in the field of electronic trade facilitation, sensitise our own enterprises to opportunities and alert international companies to our capabilities.

It should also be noted that Forfás has completed a feasibility study of a Single Window trade facilitation system for Ireland, based on an assessment of regulatory costs. This study is being considered by the High Level Group on Business Regulation and should be published this year. More generally, work will continue to advance the eGovernment agenda, since this, as well as improving efficiencies, will also help to advance our international reputation in the application of ICTs.

My Department has made significant progress in a number of areas in the Smart Economy Framework since it was published last December. The Government has taken short-term action to support economic activity and jobs, but overall, our policies to improve competitiveness have a long-term strategic objective which will restore confidence to the business community so that we continue to have jobs for the future.