Seanad debates

Thursday, 17 October 2002

Digital Hub Development Agency Bill, 2002: Second Stage.

 

It is still early on in the project and the gestation process will probably take a few years, after which its performance will be measurable. A significant amount of taxpayer's money, in the context of the present difficult economic climate, has been invested in this project as well as in MediaLab Europe. We must, therefore, consider future job creation possibilities in that area. The Minister might elaborate on the cost, to date, of the ten year agreement entered into with Massachusetts Institute of Technology about MediaLab Europe. I understand the cost was £8.4 million. Was this an upfront payment, paid directly to MIT from day one? What technical expertise and competence, what international panel of people with experience in the areas envisaged for MediaLab Europe, has MIT brought on board by virtue of its expertise in the USA? How much funding has gone into the MediaLab Europe operation?

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.