Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The focus of programme A, communications, is to support economic growth, competitiveness and social inclusion through a range of policies and regulation designed to facilitate a more digitally connected economy and society, along with investment in high-speed broadband networks. The Estimate for programme A includes initial funding of €15 million for the national broadband plan to bring high-speed connectivity to all parts of Ireland through a combination of commercial investment and State intervention. Programme A underpins the implementation of Ireland's national digital strategy through measures such as the trading online voucher scheme and the digital skills for citizens programme. It supports growth and innovation in digital entrepreneurship through the Digital Hub Development Agency and the National Digital Research Centre. The 2017 provision also includes €1.5 million for Eircode postcodes and €1.95 million for the National Cyber Security Centre for the protection of critical infrastructure and Government networks.