John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, further to Parliamentary Question No. 228 of 6 March 2012, if he supported cloud computing directly prior to the Action Plan for Jobs 2012. [14729/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government contains a commitment to make Ireland a leader in the emerging IT market of Cloud Computing by promoting greater use of Cloud Computing in the public sector; organising existing State supports for Cloud Computing into a package to promote Ireland as a progressive place for IT investment; and, establishing an expert group to:- address privacy and security issues arising from the use of cloud computing, review the adequacy of current legislation, and, identify what steps need to be taken to ensure a supportive regulatory environment for Cloud Computing.

In accordance with this commitment, I announced the establishment of a cross Government Implementation Group on Cloud Computing in June 2011. The Group is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and comprises representatives of Departments and Agencies responsible for aspects of Cloud Computing policy including expenditure, IT Procurement, security, infrastructure and enterprise strategy. The Group has met on three occasions to date and is currently in the process of finalising its report for submission to me. 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.

The establishment of the Cloud Technology Centre, which I referred to in my reply to Parliamentary Question No 228 of 6 March 2012, was formally announced by me in May 2011. The Centre is being jointly established by Enterprise Ireland and IDA. As I indicated in my reply to the earlier question, I am happy that good progress is being made in delivering on this commitment.

In accordance with the Programme for Government, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has been working to bring about greater promotion of Cloud Computing in the Public Service. The Acton Plans for Jobs reiterates the Minister's commitment to developing a Cloud Computing Strategy for the Public Sector in 2012.