Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Barry Gardiner today urged Northern Ireland’s public to grasp the huge opportunities offered by the roll out of broadband across Northern Ireland.

Mr Gardiner was speaking at a two-day eEurope4all conference in Londonderry, showcasing global best practice in broadband technology application, including e-health, e-learning and e-business.

Northern Ireland will be the first region in Europe to have 100% broadband access, with full access expected to be available throughout the province by the end of next year.

Commenting on the eEurope4all showcase, the Minister said: “The introduction of broadband could have a similar impact on the UK economy as the introduction of mains electricity 80 years ago. New information technologies have implications for all aspects of our society, at work, at home and at play.

“We have made sure that Broadband will be available to everyone in Northern Ireland, no matter how remote, by the end of 2005. It is now essential that Northern Ireland exploits this unique opportunity to enhance our competitive position internationally. That is what today is all about."

Showcases at the event include:

• a Spanish eHospital that integrates electronic patient records with diagnostic equipment such as radiological procedures, x-rays, etc.
• a Swedish internet-based project which assesses the effect of stress on mental and physical well-being. The programme targets both individuals and companies and provides exercises aimed at decreasing stress
• an Irish project which uses music, animation, film, video and graphics to target young people facing barriers to their integration into the labour market
• demonstration of the process involved in developing interactive computer games using the games engine developed by a Co Donegal-based company.

Eddie McVeigh, Northern Ireland’s EU Representative, added: “This event will provide delegates from across Northern Ireland with a valuable opportunity to network with and seek advice from those organisations at the very leading edge of the Information Society.

“It will also provide an excellent opportunity to publicise Northern Ireland’s commitment to the EU’s eEurope Action Plan 2005, which aims to make the European Union the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy with improved employment and social cohesion by 2010.”

Some of the leading players on the global technology scene are playing a key role in the delivery of the conference including Dell, Ericsson, BT and Toshiba.

(MB)