Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A communications strategy will be rolled out in 2014. It will be driven by the Department of the Taoiseach so that it applies across all Departments. I will supply the committee with further information on the strategy.

In regard to land hoarding, the Department of the Taoiseach is co-ordinating a construction strategy which it intends to publish by early April. I do not know whether tax strategies can be developed to deal with land hoarding. A measure was introduced in this regard several years ago but it fell flat on its face within 18 months because it proved ineffective. I am not trying to prejudice any new efforts but it is an issue that requires careful thought.

On SME procurement, we propose a number of useful initiatives. Processes will be piloted whereby contracting authorities can provide advice to tenderers in an attempt to resolve any issues that arise. There is a sense that people are not getting a fair crack of the whip. Circular 10/2010, which is designed to give SMEs a fair crack of the whip, is being revised to take account of the new director of procurement and the potential for innovative approaches to procurement will be investigated on a pilot basis. Three or four pilot schemes are being introduced in the procurement areas, and if they work this year, we will try to push them into something bigger next year. We got our foot in the door in the procurement area this year. In regard to the ESB's role in broadband provision, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has ambitions in that area. We try to deliver the Ireland House concept wherever it is practical to do so. An ambassador who can co-ordinate the work involved makes a world of difference in these markets because a significant part of the work involves building relationships. The work done by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade is also important to us.