Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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78. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he will publish the National Digital Strategy; if he will outline the way in which Ireland can best capitalise on the digital economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27832/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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It is my intention to publish the National Digital Strategy over the coming weeks. The Strategy will complement the significant investment in broadband infrastructure envisaged under the National Broadband Plan and will complement and assist in achieving goals set out the National Payments Plan, The eGovernment Strategy and the Action Plan for Jobs.

In order for Ireland to capitalise on the digital economy we need to focus in particular on increasing the levels of digital adoption. The Strategy will focus initially on increasing overall levels of digital engagement within Irish society, particularly in the areas of eLearning, digital entrepreneurship, citizen and SME engagement. The first phase will incorporate the findings of recent research commissioned by my Department into the economic value of digital to Ireland’s economy. This will show clear evidence of the important and growing contribution digital is making to Irish economic activity.