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For Written Answer on : 18/01/2023
Question Number(s): 33 Question Reference(s): 1226/23
Department: Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION


To ask the Minister for Enterprise; Trade and Employment his plans, if any, for Ireland to become more involved in the Digital Nations International Forum of Leading Digital Governments; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY



Ireland’s ambition, as stated in our National Digital Strategy – Harnessing Digital: the Digital Ireland Framework, is to continue to be a digital leader at the heart of European and global digital developments. We are coming from a strong overall position, currently ranked the 5th most advanced digital economy in the EU according to the 2022 Digital Economy and Society Index. We are a global digital hub, enjoy the presence of many of the leading technology companies, and play an important role in digital regulation across Europe.

Ireland is actively engaged in a number of international forums related to digital issues including the informal European Digital group known as the D9+ and its corresponding B9+ group of business representatives, and the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI).

In addition, Ireland is an active participant on digital matters in organisations including the EU, UNESCO, the OECD and the Council of Europe. My Department sent a delegation to the recent OECD Digital Economy Ministerial Meeting and the D9+ meetings which were held in December 2022. 

The activities and working groups that has been convened as part of the Digital Nations International Forum are very much aligned with the ongoing work that Ireland is engaged in as part of other informal and formal groupings, where membership is very similar to the Digital Nations International Forum. Ireland has no immediate plans for more direct involvement with the Digital Nations International Forum or to join the group but will continue to assess the situation and opportunities for involvement.