Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 512: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures, as set in policy by the publication Building Ireland's Smart Economy - A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal 2009-2014 that have been taken to develop areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17627/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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In accordance with the policy set out in the publication "Building Ireland's Smart Economy - A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal", the roll out of the National Digital Research Centre (NDRC) and the development of the Digital Hub are continuing with the support of my Department.

The mission of the NDRC is to create market capital in the form of increased follow-on investment and job creation in the digital sector, by developing and commercialising market viable digital media technologies and content through collaborative translational research between academic and industry partners. The NDRC signed contracts for the development of 7 digital research projects with collaborative research partners late in 2008, and contracts to develop a further 7 digital media projects were signed recently. The NDRC has been allocated €5m in Exchequer funding by my Department in 2009 to continue its development.

The Digital Hub is a cluster of digital content and technology enterprises that is recognised as a centre of excellence for knowledge, innovation and creativity in its field. It currently houses 101 companies with approximately 850 full time employees. Additionally, through its educational and social functions, over 3,300 people participated in Community/Learning programmes in the Hub during 2008. The Digital Hub will receive €1.783m in Exchequer funding in 2009 to continue its programme of enterprise development and social/educational outreach.