Mr. Mark Griffin:

I might revert to that issue in a moment. EirGrid will appear before the committee next week and it will be able to deal comprehensively with the detail of its approach to consultation.

Deputy Phelan was right about the need for the State to devote attention to cloud computing, given its importance to the SME sector. We are doing so. Action Plan for Jobs, on which the Taoiseach provided an update yesterday, contains a great deal of material on this area. I cannot answer the question on data retrieval and protection, however, as they fall under the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

I can give only a general response because it is not something I have the competence to deal with. The decision by a number of big companies to locate their data centres in the State has been a very positive development from a job creation perspective. It also reflects the robustness of the data connections between Ireland and the US.

On the nuclear stress tests, I will check the situation in relation to the progress report. I gather the Council will be given an update by Commissioner Oettinger at the December Council. We will see if we can make that report available to the committee.

As the Minister said about the EirGrid issue, a positive development has been the agreement by the agency, at the request of the Minister and the committee, to extend the consultation period until 7 January next. I am aware of the concerns expressed by communities. I have a sister-in-law living in Aglish and so hear first-hand from time to time about what is happening locally and the distinction being made by some people between consultation and engagement.