Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 19: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress made with regard to the consultation process with a view to establishing a new research entity at the former MediaLab Europe premises in the digital hub; when he expects that the process will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14396/05]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 36: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the full extent of expenditure to date in the context of the anchor tenants at the digital hub; if he will report on progress in the search for a replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14500/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 133: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had discussions with the relevant bodies, groups or agencies regarding the possible installation of a new anchor tenant for the digital hub. [11645/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 153: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the full extent of expenditure to date in the context of the anchor tenants at the digital hub; if he will report on progress in the search for a replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14731/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 36, 133 and 153 together.

A consultation with regard to the development of a new digital research entity in the digital hub was recently undertaken on my behalf. The report found a high level of support for the proposal to continue public investment in the digital media sector in Ireland with the establishment of a new research entity at the former Media Lab Europe premises in the digital hub. That consultation proposed that the new entity would undertake research in the general area of digital media, but that there would be greater focus on sustainable research and a more directive approach to research in a new business model. It also recommended better links to Irish universities, effective management and improved corporate governance, in accordance with general guidelines for State bodies.

It is well appreciated and agreed that the new project will not be a replication of existing mainstream research centres, such as those currently funded by the Higher Education Authority or Science Foundation Ireland. A high quality, interdisciplinary project, involving both research and innovation, that, inter alia, supports the hub and that is effectively linked with commercial and business interests in the digital media sector in Ireland, is likely to emerge.

Proposals are now being sought by the Higher Education Authority on my behalf for the establishment and management of a national digital media research and innovation centre, the National Digital Research Centre, NDRC, to be located in the digital hub. The centre will complement existing Government initiatives focussed on digital media and technology enterprises and assist in the development and growth of the digital hub district. As well as having a clear educational research focus supported by a strong link with a third level institution, this new centre will provide a focal point for the development of a wider research and innovation ecosystem relevant to and including the digital industry itself. The centre will have a strong industry input and affinity, married with an imperative for commercialisation, with a particular focus on Irish-based industry. There will be an emphasis on interdisciplinary research and innovation, and a focus on demonstrating solutions in an industry context.

Proposals are being invited from higher education institutions, public research institutes, private sector entities or consortia. The call for proposals will consist of a competitive two-phase structure, entailing a short-listing expressions of interest stage followed by a comprehensive tendering process.

Digital media is at the cornerstone of the Government's information society agenda. The NDRC, together with existing activities and initiatives in the digital hub district, represents the type of value-added activity that I believe will contribute to Ireland's future at the forefront of the knowledge society. It is proposed to establish the new centre towards the end of the year.