Polasaí
Communications and Digital
Foilsithe: 12 Meitheamh 2020
Ó An Roinn Comhshaoil, Aeráide agus Cumarsáide
Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
In the area of communications, the government’s goal is to provide a world class communications network with high quality services, supporting connected communities and enabling citizens to embrace digital opportunities, in a safe environment.
The government supports economic growth, jobs, competitiveness and social inclusion through a range of policies and regulation designed to facilitate a more digitally connected economy and society. It is focused on ensuring the availability of high quality broadband to every premises in Ireland, balanced regulation to foster investment and innovation, as well as protecting and empowering individuals, communities and businesses in their use of digital technologies.
Government policies and regulations in this area are centered on achieving the following objectives:
- universal access to high speed broadband
- better connected communities
- strengthened cyber security
- enhanced engagement with younger audiences
Ireland’s international and national digital connectivity is vitally important to maintaining and enhancing our competitiveness in global markets and in the knowledge and information economy.
The term 'broadband' refers to internet access. Broadband connectivity is important for growth, innovation and social cohesion.
Today over seven in ten premises have access to high speed broadband from commercial operators. There are approximately 540,000 premises where operators will not provide this essential service.
These are located in the State intervention area. The government has appointed National Broadband Ireland to build, maintain and operate a future proofed high speed broadband network in the State intervention area over a 25 year period.
Read more about Broadband
The term 'cyber security' refers to the body of technologies, processes, and practices designed to protect networks, devices, programmes, and data from attack, damage, or unauthorised access. It covers all of the measures designed to protect our IT systems and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data services. The government works to reduce the risks to internet infrastructure and services to maintain a resilient, secure and trustworthy online environment that people and businesses can rely upon for social and economic interaction.
Read more about Cyber Security
The first phase of the National Digital Strategy was launched in July 2013. This strategy focuses on digital engagement and how Ireland can reap the rewards of a digitally enabled society. The government is now developing a new National Digital Strategy. This is in response to technological change over the past six years, and any opportunities or challenges it presents.
The Digital Single Market strategy is a flagship initiative of the Europe 2020 strategy. It aims to create opportunities for people and business in the digital economy.
Read more about Digital Inclusion
Eircode is Ireland’s national postcode system. It gives a unique code to each residential and business address in Ireland, which pinpoints the location of the property. Over 35% of addresses in Ireland share their address with at least one other property. Eircode was designed specifically to overcome this problem.
Read more about Eircode
The Emergency Call Answering Service (ECAS) is responsible for answering all 112 and 999 emergency calls in Ireland. Its role is to identify and pass the call through to the appropriate Emergency Service (Garda, Fire, Ambulance or Coast Guard and Air Traffic Control). It is also responsible for an emergency text messaging service for registered users.
The ECAS was established by the Communications Regulation Amendment Act 2002 and BT Communications Ireland Limited has the contract to operate the service until 2025. Calls to the ECAS are free of charge to the caller, the service is paid for instead by the communications operator through a per call fee which is regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
The government engages with stakeholders through the following committees:
- Emergency Services Forum
- Industry Forum
The Emergency Services Forum meets on a quarterly basis and is chaired by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC). The committee is made up of representatives from An Garda Síochána, Fire Services, Ambulance Service, Coast Guard, Air Traffic Control and ECAS. Issues addressed include Quality of Service, changes to ECAS or Emergency Services procedures/services and new technologies. The Industry Forum is chaired by ComReg and consists of representatives from ComReg, DECC, ECAS and Network Operators. Issues discussed include Quality of Service and Call Handling Fee (CHF) and aspects of the ECAS as they affect the communications industry.
Postal services are critical to ensure the people of Ireland are connected and that businesses can operate effectively. The government plays an important role in ensuring that postal services are competitive and efficient.
Read more about Postal Communications
