Mr. Ian Brannigan:

Every time the Department makes submissions, we supply it any information it needs to achieve that goal. We do not lobby Brussels directly. The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has that function.

The Deputy's next question was on co-operation with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, NWRA. We work with it all of the time. Currently, we are working with it on a smart regions programme to develop a unique case for the digital agenda in the west. As members may know, there are smart cities around the world where connectivity is the basis for efficiency and growth. We are trying to do that on a region-wide basis. With the assembly, we have commissioned an assessment through Insight NUI Galway. We are now in phase 2 of that. We are working on this issue with various Departments as well.

We have worked with the assembly on the One Region One Vision effort to highlight what is ongoing in our region and the opportunities therein. To date, two large events have been held within the region, which have attracted business leaders and they like to talk about how to grow business within the region. We also worked with the assembly on various committees in terms of the Atlantic economic corridor. We are examining the best way of pursuing enterprise growth through that with the NWRA.

As well as having a good relationship with the assembly on an ongoing basis, these are specific projects that we are working on with it.

The Deputy referred to broadband and gas networks and asked whether I was happy with the level of broadband. To be fair to all parties, I would say that, the better the broadband, the happier I will be. We have proof that people in the digital and creative economies want to work and live within our region. They demand connectivity to undertake their daily business. We are supportive of anything that accelerates connectivity in every part of our region. From a business point of view, it is needed for jobs. More widely, and to speak personally-----