The regulations governing the export of mass market cryptographic items have been simplified to allow easier movement of such products, the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, has announced.

The introduction of a general authorisation will replace a licensing system whereby Irish companies had to obtain export licences for individual products to individual countries. Ms Harney said the Republic is the world's largest exporter of software and the introduction of the new procedure will assist it maintain that position. Details are available at www.entemp.ie/export/ whats.htm