Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for their contributions which indicate a wide knowledge of what is involved. I agree with Senator Kenneally that, when the committees are formed, a visit by the relevant committee to the MediaLab, which is up and running, and the digital hub area, which is to be developed, would be important. I visited them recently and received a briefing from the people involved. It is only when one sees the MediaLab in operation that one can appreciate the potential of what will be available in the digital hub area.

I was interested in the points made by Senator Finucane. The drafting of the Bill began in January 2001. As Senators will know, I am always impatient about getting legislation through the Houses. I will do my level best to have this legislation in place as soon as possible. Approval was given for the general scheme in July 2001 by the Government and this was followed by approval to publish in December of the same year. The Bill was published in January of this year. The volume of legislation made it impossible to bring it forward but I am delighted it is the first Bill I will take as Minister with responsibility for this area. I am also delighted that I am bringing forward such a Bill because it is an area of my Department I regard with some interest and in which I will try to make a mark in terms of progressing it.