Government funding for MLE, which includes the purchase of a suitable premises, has been provided over a four year period from 2000 to 2003. The focus of MLE is primarily on high-tech research, while the digital hub is an enterprise development project. Both projects are monitored by a Government liaison committee, which is chaired by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and comprises members from the Departments of Finance, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Education and Science, and Environment and Local Government, as well as Enterprise Ireland, the IDA, the Higher Education Authority and the Office of Public Works.