Minister Power outlines role of technology in improving competitiveness

Speaking at the Inspired IT awards in Dublin this evening, Minister of State Seán Power TD outlined the Government’s commitment to maintaining the role of technology in the development of Ireland’s knowledge economy as well as acknowledging its increasing importance in these challenging economic times.

Minister Power said: “Achieving efficiencies in our day-to-day business is now more important than ever – we must identify how to do more with less, whilst maintaining our effectiveness and I believe that technology will be vital in this regard.

The Government has demonstrated that techn ology is delivering significant efficiencies with estimated annual savings of over €85 million from 21 eGovernment projects. At the same time, these projects are providing improved and more accessible services.

Of course, the possible savings are not just financial – there is also the potential for significant energy savings and the Power of One campaign has consistently demonstrated the scale of savings available to companies.”

Minister Power outlined how his Department is working to ensure that Ireland is best placed to avail of all of the opportunities presented by technology, through the preparation of Ireland’s new Knowledge Society Action Plan. In particular, Minister Power emphasised ‘the importance of an adequate infrastructure to facilitate the technologies that are currently available as well as those of the future which will play a central role in Ireland’s future knowledge economy.’

Congratulating all involved in the InspiredIT awards, Minister Power said, “These awards highlight the achievements of IT Executives and their teams for their role in helping to drive competitiveness and place Ireland at the forefront of knowledge creation and IT innovation globally. The projects presented this evening demonstrate the vision, creativity, ingenuity and innovation that is available in Ireland. Fusing such talents with modern technology is a recipe for success and one which the Government is committed to supporting as we enter this new economic era.’

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact:

Press Office
Department of Communications, Energy &
Natural Resources

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E.mail: press.office@dcenr.gov.ie