Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the proposed disbandment of the digital hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43357/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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There are no plans to disband the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA). The Agency has enjoyed much success in creating a cluster of young and vibrant enterprises focussing on the creation and development of digital media content which will be key to the success of the smart economy. The Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes did recommend that the DHDA should be amalgamated with either Enterprise Ireland or the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) but no decision has been taken by me or the Government.

The Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) continues to develop and grow the Digital Hub. The number of companies and employees based in the Hub has grown steadily and the demand for additional space for digital media companies continues to increase.

There are now 870 employees working in 101 companies located in the Digital Hub. A further 290 approximately contract employees are engaged on a regular basis by Hub companies. Approximately one in six digital media companies currently operating in Ireland is based in the Digital Hub. The work of these companies encompasses computer gaming, animation, online bookings, Internet security, website development, mobile technologies, broadcasting, design and Internet services. Such highly skilled knowledge economy companies are key to maintaining and developing economic success.

The Digital Hub Development Agency has performed remarkably well since its inception and I look to the client companies that have been nurtured at the Digital Hub as exemplars of what we can do in establishing Ireland as a leader in digital media industries.