Speech
Speech by Taoiseach Micheál Martin for the Digital Ireland Series event
From Department of the Taoiseach
By: Taoiseach; Micheál Martin
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
By: Taoiseach; Micheál Martin
Published on
Last updated on
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I am delighted to welcome you to the first of these Digital Ireland Series events; Cuirim fáilte mhór romhaibh go Baile Átha Cliath agus tá súil agam go mbainfidh sibh taitneamh as imeacht an lae inniu.
Today’s discussions reflect the high priority we attach to the digital transition here in Ireland which, in tandem with our green transition, reflects one of the most significant disruptive trends we will see in our lifetime.
We all understand the power and potential of digital technologies, and their potential to reduce inequalities, and to increase inclusion and opportunity across communities and groups.
And, of course, the potential of digital technologies was really magnified as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling opportunities right across our work, learning, healthcare, personal and social spheres.
We know that the tech sector is facing significant challenges, and economic headwinds at present, and we stand ready to support and assist all those who are impacted by recent downsizing decisions.
At the same time, we are confident that the sector will see growth again over the medium-term; we believe the future is digital.
For businesses, digital technologies enable increases in productivity and competitiveness and, as leaders in driving innovation, you will know only too well the critical importance of digital skills in unlocking these benefits.
But unfortunately, as we have become only too aware in recent times, they also have the power to destabilise, and to widen digital divides.
These threats and challenges re-enforce the need for a balanced, secure and inclusive approach to our digital agendas.
To this end, Ireland remains committed to being a digital leader; shaping these debates in Europe and beyond; driving our own digital transformation; and ensuring that Ireland’s regulatory framework is equipped to play its part.
Earlier this year, we launched our new Digital Strategy setting out how we will achieve this. We will drive our digital transition across the economy and society, supported by a modern, coherent, and well-resourced regulatory framework.
In addition to supporting the digitalisation of enterprise, we’ve placed a lot of emphasis on connectivity and universal access to high speed broadband; with more and better digital public services, as well as the provision of digital skills at all levels.
In every area of our digital transition, we place a strong focus on safety, security, trust, inclusiveness, and balance.
Strong leadership and a coherent governance structure will ensure that we deliver, for the benefit of everyone in our society, with progress to date across all of the dimensions of the Strategy.
Stakeholder and industry engagement is a central part of our approach, and we look forward to continuing open and productive engagement with you on this broad and important agenda.
The digital regulatory environment is fast-changing, complex and cross-cutting in its impact and scope.
Developing appropriate, effective and balanced regulation in such an environment is not an easy task, but Europe is leading the charge with ground-breaking developments across the digital landscape.
While this task, and related implementation and enforcement are not without challenges; challenges which are shared by many countries, Ireland is strongly committed to having an optimal regulatory framework in place, in line with our ambition to be a centre of regulatory excellence in Europe.
We are focused on being a strong voice in Europe for a balanced approach in developing and agreeing key digital regulations, bringing Ireland’s expertise and experience to the negotiating table.
In this, we are conscious of the need for appropriate levels of protection for European consumers, as well as support to ensure that industry investments, and our start-up and innovation ecosystem can continue to thrive.
Ireland enjoys a unique position – strongly rooted in Europe; home to many of the big tech players; and with a strong indigenous sector.
We are very proud of our success in this regard; we value our tech industry, indeed now more so than ever, in this post-Brexit environment.
To ensure Ireland remains an attractive investment location and a great place to do business, we will continue to strengthen our FDI value proposition, which includes our pro-enterprise policy environment, highly educated English-speaking workforce, and our membership of the European Union.
In this context, we are conscious that we have a key European role in terms of the enforcement of digital regulation.
We are fully committed to this role, and will not be found wanting in relation to the legislation and resources necessary to implement new and existing regulations.
For example, we have designated our new Media Commission as Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator under the Digital Services Act, with the necessary preparations underway.
Along with most other EU countries, we believe strongly in the Country of Origin principle and one-stop-shop mechanism; we believe this is the best way to protect the EU Single Market and allow innovative EU companies to grow and expand.
We are committed to delivering effective data protection and protecting the data privacy rights of EU citizens, which is critical to the development and growth of our digital economy.
Enforcing a new regulation like the GDPR will always take time, especially given the complex arrangements required.
In this regard, the government is committed to continuing to build the capacity of the Data Protection Commission, including the recent decision to appoint two additional Commissioners.
While we are seeing clear progress here in Ireland on our digital journey, we are firmly focused on continuing to drive our digital transformation, to the benefit of all in our society and economy.
These are challenging times for the tech sector, and the government is acutely aware of the pressures currently facing businesses and households.
We will continue to do all we can to support, and absorb some of the current price shock, although we have been clear that we cannot cushion households and businesses from the entire impact. For those impacted by recent downsizing decisions in the tech sector, we will assist any employees affected as they seek alternative employment or other opportunities.
The Irish economy is well diversified, and we are close to full employment, with high demand for tech, marketing and other skills across all sectors, and a strong pipeline of new investments from overseas and within Ireland across a range of sectors.
I am delighted that so many leaders in the sector are present here today, as well as our strong indigenous sector and leading Irish companies.
On our side, the strong cross-government presence – with the Tánaiste, Minister Martin and Minister Calleary all present here today – is a clear signal of the importance we attach to the digital agenda, and to those businesses located here in Ireland.
I hope you all enjoy the discussions today.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.