The Government's new home computing initiative could generate technology sales of €140 million to the employees of Ireland's largest companies, according to AIB's technology financing unit.
Cathal O'Connor, product manager with AIB IT, said a similar level of sales could be generated from public sector employees. However, despite positive predictions for the scheme, details of how it will operate remain scarce.
Industry representatives will today receive a briefing on the initiative, which it is hoped will rapidly increase home PC ownership from its current level of just under 55 per cent.
The scheme will be promoted by the HCI Alliance which is made up of industry lobby group ICT Ireland, Intel, the Department of the Taoiseach and the Local Government Computer Services Board. It is expected further industry representatives will join the alliance.
Unlike similar schemes in other parts of Europe, the Irish initiative will not include any tax breaks for employers or people who buy the PCs. ICT Ireland and others have actively lobbied for the introduction of such a scheme with a tax break.
Director of ICT Ireland Kathryn Raleigh said retired people, students and employees of small to medium-sized companies would be targeted initially. Tailored packages would be provided to include a PC, software, training, internet connections, support services and finance options.
Mr O'Connor said he expected the purchase cost of PCs to be deducted from staff salaries.
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