Implementing The Information Society In Ireland: An Action Plan, January 1999

Introduction

1. The Information Society represents a phenomenal challenge and opportunity for Ireland. We are at the early stages of a new industrial revolution - one which will have more dramatic implications than any other single industrial development in the history of the State. New structures and business models are evolving but, unlike in previous times, these developments are taking place at breakneck speed.
2. Rapid response is needed to ensure that the benefits of the Information Society can be availed of by Irish citizens and Irish businesses, thus contributing to the ongoing improvement of Ireland's society and economy. If we are to maintain and build on our economic success of recent years, and ensure that all of society can participate in the Information Society, it is vital that Ireland becomes both an early mover and a global player in the Information Society.
3. Failure to take action could mean that much of the strong economic performance of recent years could be lost, particularly as international companies who have chosen to locate activities in Ireland would be likely to move to other, more advanced, countries. Failure to act would also mean missing out on the opportunities to improve the social inclusion process through the use of information and communication technologies.
4. The Government has concluded that, in order to prepare Ireland for the Information Society and to take full advantage of the opportunities available to Ireland, a comprehensive action framework is required. In coming to its conclusions, the Government has taken into account the views and recommendations of the Information Society Commission. The need for a comprehensive and co-ordinated approach is also confirmed by a number of recent reports, including the Report of the Advisory Committee on Telecommunications. the National Competitiveness Council's Statement on Telecommunications: a Key Factor in Electronic Commerce and Competitiveness, and IBEC's report on Telecommunications after Liberalisation - Policies for Ireland.
5. In order to provide such a framework, the Government has adopted an Action Plan which sets out a range of measures appropriate to development of a true Information Society in Ireland. The Action Plan, which is set out in the following sections, covers a number of broad areas: telecommunications infrastructure, development of electronic commerce and business opportunities, enabling measures, legislative measures, ICTs and delivery of public services, support areas where action is needed, and taking the work forward.
6. The objective of the Action Plan is to present a comprehensive strategic plan embracing all tasks which need to be addressed. Consequently, it includes a combination of completely new tasks and tasks which have already been identified as necessary and where, in some instances, action has already commenced. It also indicates the Departments or bodies with responsibility for each action point. Finally, where relevant, it provides a target date for completion of the action points.
7. The Action Plan seeks to balance the need to make rapid progress with allowing sufficient time for specific tasks to be completed in a manner which fits neatly with other elements of the plan. In addition, in the context of use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the public service, it recognises that a number of different levels of work can be advanced in parallel, even though they will not necessarily come to completion at the same time.

•  InfoSocietyActionPlanJan99.pdf (157 KB)
•  InfoSocietyActionPlanJan99.rtf (103 KB)