Maurice Mortell, chief executive, Data Electronics
3rd February 2010
E-enabling is in our national interest.
If we look at infrastructure, we know what has to be done to put that in place, and we probably have a fair idea of what that costs.
I think on top of having the infrastructure we need to look at the regulatory environment, we need to look at ComReg, we need to ask are they positioning themselves whereby it’s made easy for new entrants coming into the market, that it’s competitive.
So legislation needs to be there to make it easier for all providers to get onto that type of infrastructure, and use it properly.
We then need to look at central government and look at their view to e-enabling government. If everyone embraces it in central government it will be pushed out in general terms right across the whole country; that probably isn’t the case at the moment. I think that there are some very savvy departments that are way ahead of the others, and some that are lagging far behind with regards to even embracing it themselves as a department.
On the positive side we still have a young, excellent workforce, very intelligent and very knowledgeable in ICT, very knowledgeable in software development and applications, so we are very technically savvy as a nation. That’s a very positive thing.
Maurice Mortell's biography
Maurice Mortell joined Data Electronics in 1991 and was appointed chief executive in 2001. Mortell is a specialist in IT service capabilities and is responsible for the growth and development of the company. He plays a key role in the evolution of company policy, strategy and products.
Mortell has 17 years of experience in the telecoms and internet sectors in Ireland. During his time at Data Electronics he has held a number of senior management positions including financial controller and business development manager. In his capacity as CEO, Mortell has managed the expansion and growth of Data Electronics’ business and the development of a new facility at Northwest Business Park.
Having graduated in Business Studies from the College of Commerce, Mortell spent three years working in the chartered accountancy field before taking up his initial position in Data Electronics.
A seasoned IT specialist, Mortell is a regular speaker on the managed services and Data Centre markets in Ireland. A member of the Telecommunications Information Federation Committee (TIF), he also chairs the Outsourced Services Group within IBEC and sits on the Governing Board of ICT Ireland and the board of the Irish Internet Association.
