Published: Thu, 07 May 2015
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Seán Kelly, MEP for Ireland South, has welcomed plans to create a Digital Single Market in Europe and highlighted the opportunities it can bring to Irish businesses and consumers in terms of opening up new markets, removing unnecessary geo-blocking and creating jobs and growth.
The European Commission yesterday (Wednesday) unveiled its new 16-point roadmap that will seek to bring better access for consumers and businesses to digital goods and services across Europe, and maximise the growth potential of the digital economy. Speaking in Brussels yesterday, the Kerry MEP noted that “Ireland stands to benefit greatly from this initiative and with our talented workforce, open economy and competitive corporate tax environment, there is a real chance for us to capitalise on the additional opportunities that the Digital Single Market will bring.”
“This proposal recognises the enormous potential of the digital sector to create jobs and growth in Europe. Ireland’s technology sector is currently responsible for around 40% of our national exports and employs over 100,000 people. This is now set to increase with estimations showing that the Digital Single Market could contribute €415 billion per year to the European economy and create 3.8 million additional jobs.”
“Ireland is emerging as a global technology hub and is therefore in a prime position to lead Europe towards being globally competitive in the digital sector. Moving from 28 markets to a single one will create an environment in which Irish digital companies have significantly improved growth potential and will help ensure that we can keep Irish expertise in Ireland”
Mr. Kelly is a member of the European Parliament’s committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and so will have a prominent role in the Parliament’s work on the Digital Single Market as legislative discussions begin.
“Yesterday’s launch is extremely promising and I look forward to working on the more concrete proposals that will be submitted to the Parliament in the coming months. It will be important to ensure that conditions are favourable so that Irish and European digital businesses can prosper, and so that consumers can benefit from the services they provide.”
