New Connections - Department of Taoiseach

ForewordNew Connections, the second Government Action Plan on the Information Society, waslaunched in April 2002.It ambitiously sets out the Government’s strategy to ensure that Ireland establishes itself as aworld leading location for e-business and knowledge-based economic activity, and that thebenefits of the Information Society are available to all Irish citizens.The diversity of the Information Society agenda is reflected in the issues addressed in NewConnections. Its aim has been to bring these diverse elements together in an accessible, easilyunderstood manner, reflecting priorities moving forward.I welcome the publication of this first progress report. This is a valuable snapshot, and hasconsiderable significance in the overall context of our economy, both from an Irish andInternational perspective.Much progress has been achieved since the launch of New Connections, and I am confidentthat in the coming months and beyond, further enhancement in the delivery of services for theIrish citizen will be implemented, particularly in the areas of eInclusion andtelecommunications infrastructure.This report comes as we prepare to participate in the UN World Summit on the InformationSociety in December 2003 and to host the EU Presidency in the first half of 2004.Tá dul chun cinn thar na bearta á dhéanamh ar fud an domhain sna gnéithe seo. Teastaíonnuainn bheith chun tosaigh!Mary Hanafin T.D.Minister of State for the Information Society1