News Release: Thursday 22nd July 2010

The Digital Marketing Institute has called for the Irish Government to appoint a Minister for Digital Affairs in order to safeguard and create thousands of jobs in a rapid growth area of Irish Business.

This call was made at the launch of the Digital Marketing Institute Post Graduate Diploma in Digital Marketing that took place on Thursday 22nd July 2010.   The diploma is taught by leading industry professionals and they will be present to discuss the future of marketing within business.

With the rapid migration of advertising budgets to digital channels, every professional needs a deep working knowledge of digital media. The Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Marketing is a comprehensive programme in the implementation and integration of digital channels within any business.

Ireland has developed itself into the digital capital of Europe with tech giants such as Google, Facebook and Linkedin all locating their European headquarters in Dublin. With the presence of these industry leaders, Ireland can develop itself as the European digital hub for other multi-national companies who are looking for a base within the European market.

Course Director, Ian Dodson, welcomes the Governments work in attracting these multi-national companies to the country but feels a specific Minister needs to be appointed to focus on the fastest growing area in business.

Dodson said, “The government is to be congratulated for attracting the likes of Google, Facebook and Linkedin to Ireland but it's times to take the next step. Currently at least six government departments are involved in the digital society and economy. No single minister or department has responsibility for ensuring Ireland realises its potential to become a global centre for e-commerce and e-communities. The government must recognise that there is no sector which will be more critical to the economic recovery of Ireland then this one”.

Dodson went on to say, “We need a minister who will be responsible for the roll out of high speed broadband, and for attracting high-tech investment, and for developing training and education programmes which will develop the right skills. We need a Minister for Digital Affairs.  If the Irish Government positions itself correctly, this could lead to future jobs growth in this area within the Irish economy.”

After completition of the course, students will be able to create and implement effective digital marketing strategies which will allow them to realise their career or business aspirations and strongly position themselves within the market place or your organisation.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Marketing is exclusive to and is accredited by the Digital Marketing Institute. The course is delivered by expert practitioners. Emphasis throughout the programme is placed on developing practical and pro-active digital marketing professionals.

For more details about the Digital Marketing Institute, please log onto www.digitalmarketinginstitute.ie

About the Digital Marketing Institute:

The Digital Marketing Institute was created to provide expert training in Digital Marketing and to advance the use of Digital Marketing channels in Ireland. The institute comprises some of Ireland’s leading digital marketing companies. Our courses were created and are continuously revised by professional practitioners.

Our founding member organisations and lecturers are expert practitioners in their field. Our courses therefore provide attendees with a comprehensive introduction to the concepts and application of digital marketing. Real life case studies and a very practical approach provide a cornerstone to our courses, ensuring that students understand both the theory and are in a position to apply this in their own work roles.

More information on the Postgraduate in Digital Marketing

Anthony Quigley