Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

As stated on Committee Stage, I intend to issue a directive to the agency to address the issues of access and inclusion and to report to me on this matter. A great deal of work has already been undertaken by DMDL – the existing authority – to intervene in issues relating to educational projects. I have seen the efforts it has made in this area. There is an official whose specific job is to engage with local community groups. As a body, it will work with educational institutes, not only in the particular area concerned, but also outside it. The agency will look at opportunities outside Dublin to link up with universities and institutes in relation to the digital divide.