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Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte today announced that the renowned film maker and committed digital enthusiast, David Puttnam, would take on the new role of Digital Champion for Ireland.

Welcoming the fact that Lord Puttnam has agreed to take on the role, Minister Rabbitte said

I have asked David to be an ambassador for digital in Ireland. We all need to be challenged, to be imaginative about how digital technologies and digital media can improve our quality of life, our skills, our health, our education, our employability and our prosperity. Through his careers in cinema, broadcasting and teaching David has always been a genuine champion and early adopter of digital technologies. He is passionate about their ability to positively transform society, for example in education. I am encouraging him to provoke us to think differently about how we use telecommunications in the home, in the wider economy, in learning and in delivering public services to citizens of all ages.

Commenting on his decision to accept the appointment, David Puttnam said:

Ireland has been at the forefront in a number of areas of digital adoption…for example in teacher engagement with online resources.

There is however considerable untapped potential in the digital area…thinking ‘digital’ in all aspects of policy, business, and daily citizen activity, presents huge opportunities, not just for efficiency and effectiveness, but to help unlock the extraordinary creative potential that exists in this, my adopted country.

I’m delighted to take on this role in Ireland, and to assist in what is a huge and ever more important endeavour – ensuring that society realises the full potential unleashed by the ‘digital world’ and in so doing, becomes that much more connected, inclusive and creative.”

MerrionStreet.ie spoke with David Puttnam at the announcement...

The Minister noted that it is his intention to publish a National Digital Strategy in the New Year, which will highlight the potential of digital to transform society. The first phase of the Strategy will target specific segments of society, aiming to improve digital adoption and realise the economic and social benefits that digital technologies can bring.

The appointment of David as Ireland’s Digital Champion is a key measure under the proposed National Digital Strategy. He has long been an evangelist for digital adoption, particularly in the education sector, and I hope that he will bring his considerable expertise and vision to this important policy initiative.

...Minister Rabbitte said.

The appointment of a Digital Champion is particularly timely, as Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. A number of Member States have already appointed Digital Champions, and it is expected that David Puttnam will address a number of key events during the Irish Presidency, including the Digital Agenda Assembly to be held in Dublin in June 2013.