Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)

I am pleased to commend the Digital Hub Development Agency Bill, 2002, to Seanad Éireann. Before examining the proposals that will transform a significant slice of Dublin's south inner city and, more specifically, the provisions of the Bill for the establishment of Digital Media Development Limited on a statutory basis with a new title, Digital Hub Development Agency, I would like briefly to look at digital media as a concept.

The definition of digital media encompasses many sectors and sub-sectors, platforms, software and technologies. It is about content creation, management and distribution across the Internet and multiple digitally-enabled channels such as personal computers, television, game consoles, mobile and other portable devices. More importantly, it is a major opportunity for Ireland as it involves the convergence of two of this country's core competencies, technology and creativity. The digital hub is an initiative of the Government to create an international digital enterprise area in Dublin city. The sponsoring partners are the Government, through the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Dublin City Council, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland.

Digital Media Development Limited was originally established by the Government in April 2000 under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach. Responsibility was then transferred to the Department of Public Enterprise on 22 May 2001. Following the recent election, the project is now with the new Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. Through the Department, €130 million of public funding has already been committed for the digital hub and MediaLab Europe, a third level research and education centre already located in the digital hub. This also includes the acquisition of property by the Office of Public Works for Digital Media Development Limited and MediaLab Europe. The core development is located within the historic Liberties area in Dublin's south inner city.