Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I thank the Chairman. Before I commence, I will introduce the officials accompanying me. I am accompanied by Mr. Matt Collins, assistant secretary - Natural Resources and Waste Policy, Mr. Martin Finucane, principal officer and our chief finance officer, Mr. Denis Maher, principal officer, Ms Rebecca Minch, principal officer, and Mr. Jim Whelan, assistant principal.

The focus of programme A, communications, is to support economic growth, jobs, competitiveness and social inclusion through a range of policies and regulation designed to facilitate a more digitally connected society, including investment in next generation broadband networks and the use of digital technologies by citizens and businesses and support for digital entrepreneurship. The Estimates for programme A include 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 supports Ireland's national digital strategy through measures such as the trading online voucher scheme, school digital champion and the Benefit Four programme. It also looks to underpin growth and innovation in the digital economy through the National Digital Research Centre and the Digital Hub Development Agency. The 2017 Estimate also includes €1.95 million operational funding for the National Cyber Security Centre for the protection of critical infrastructure and Government networks.