Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to any attempt by the State to apply to the Internet Corporation for assigned names and numbers for recognition of a new generic top-level domain or multiple new gTLDs such as .IRELAND, .EIRE, .DUBLIN and so on, which may be used by Government Departments and State Agencies as part of the State's official internet presence; if not, if there are any plans in the future for such an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38242/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has introduced a programme for new generic Top-Level Domains (such as .com, .org, .net, etc.). The stated aim of the programme is to increase competition and choice by introducing new gTLDs into the Internet addressing system. ICANN states that any established public or private organisation that meets eligibility requirements anywhere in the world can apply to create and operate a new gTLD Registry. My Department is not aware of any such applications by the State or of any plans to do so and has no function in this regard.