The Fine Gael spokesperson on enterprise, trade and employment, Mr Charles Flannagan, has called on the to Government to appoint a Minister of State with specific responsibility for e-commerce.
Mr Flanagan TD was speaking following the appointment of the new Board of the Information Society Commission.
"After 11 months of procrastination the Taoiseach has finally made up his mind and appointed this board, Mr Flannagan said.
The new Chairman of the Board, Mr Danny O'Hare and his fellow members are now charged with defining and enhancing Ireland's role as a major player in the global e- revolution.
"It is vitally important to our economy that we maintain our competitive edge and enhance our knowledge based skills", said MR Flannagan.
"If Ireland wants to participate and prosper in today's global economy", he added, "it is important to ensure that the 'digital divide', is bridged".
"The Government appears to have lost its focus and leadership in the whole area of e-business and e-commerce, which it has trumpeted so loudly in the past," he said.
"It has sent out worrying signals to the IT industry by failing to make these important appointments for the past 11 months.
"I am glad that he has followed the example of our more forward-looking EU neighbours who have already made such appointments."