A seat at the cabinet table was what Irish technology bosses were demanding last weekend. Nothing short of a government minister for business technology would demonstarte the new government’s commitment to Ireland’s high-tech future.
Microsoft boss Kevin Dillon issued a statement last week noting that more than 100,000 people are now employed by the e-business sector, but unlike other industries like agriculture, the sector has no minister to represent its best interests.
“ICT Ireland believes that a minister for e-business or for strategic development of the information, communications and technology sector should be appointed as a matter of priority,” he said.
Broadband technology was vital, he added.
Currently, responsibility for e-business concerns was spread across several government departments, and there was no coordination, Dillon said.
High-tech exports from Ireland amounted to euro 31 billion last year, nearly a third of the total, Dillon added.
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