Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the future of the Digital Hub Development Agency; if it is intended to proceed with the planned merger with Dublin City Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15765/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Government announced in late 2012 that the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) will transition into Dublin City Council (DCC) as part of its programme to rationalise State Agencies. The announcement follows the November 2011 Report on Public Sector Reform, in which the DHDA was earmarked for merger. There will be a transition period over the next number of months with a view to putting appropriate arrangements in place as soon as possible (including legislative changes where necessary). During this period the new governance model for the Digital Hub project will be fully defined and agreed. A key priority in the smooth transition of the DHDA to DCC, is to retain its distinctive role in supporting the creation of jobs in the digital area. The DHDA plays an important role in fostering the emergence of digital start-up companies, and the Department and DCC will be working to ensure that this role continues under the new arrangement. This will be reflected in any legislative arrangements that are required.