Entry level for graduates with diploma or degree qualifications in e-commerce is generally around £14,000, however for programmers at the technical level, the figure is closer to £16,000.

A Forfas report on enterprise in Ireland in the 21st century says "electronic business is now one of the most significant drivers of successful business development and national economic development. It is a form of business operation in which truly global markets and global competition have arrived."

Technologies: it is estimated that the use of Internet technologies is creating commercial growth of up to 20 per cent per annum.

Employment: more than 160,000 employed in sectors such as software, electronics, food and chemicals, will be impacted directly by technological changes.