Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to his announcement of the appointment of a person (details supplied) to the position of Digital Champion for Ireland, if he will provide a description of the scope and objectives of the role; the term of the appointment; the cost of the appointment including the remuneration paid to a person; if there will be additional support and expenses provided to the role, and if so, the estimate of cost by year of the term of the appointment. [1546/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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In December 2012, I announced the appointment of David Puttnam as Digital Champion for Ireland. The overarching objective of the role of Digital Champion is to promote more digital adoption. This is likely to entail working with and inspiring key stakeholders communicating the benefits and possibilities of digital more widely – so that people whether at home, in business or in education will achieve more and benefit more from what digital has to offer. This initiative is in line with similar developments in other EU Member States and is a key aspect of a new National Digital Strategy (NDS) which will be published shortly.

It is envisaged that the role of the Digital Champion will evolve over time and I intend to work closely with David Puttnam to define the role further in light of the forthcoming National Digital Strategy, and other emerging National and EU priorities. His priorities will be highlighted along with those of other digital champions on the Digital Champions website at:

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David Puttnam has agreed to undertake his current role as Digital Champion on a pro-bono basis. His time, expertise and the widely acknowledged talent he brings to this role is being contributed free. The only costs incurred will be reimbursement of expenses incurred in his official role as Digital Champion for Ireland. These will be handled in accordance with the normal travel and subsistence arrangements operating in the Civil Service. By agreement, his term of appointment is currently open-ended and as such it can be concluded by mutual agreement. Support for the role of Digital Champion is currently being provided by officials in my Department as part of their normal duties in assisting with the promotion of digital engagement.