Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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114. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the Digital Hub, Dublin 8 in view of the fact that for nearly ten years the official policy of Government has been to introduce legislation to transfer its operation and functions to Dublin City Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30087/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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In 2015, under the programme to rationalise State agencies, the then Government approved a proposal for the transition of the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) into an independent company under the aegis of Dublin City Council (DCC). The legislative arrangements to provide for the dissolution of the DHDA and the transfer of its functions and responsibilities to DCC were progressed in consultation with DHDA, DCC and other Government departments and draft Heads of Bill were prepared. Since then there have been a number of developments in the wider policy and economic environment that would likely have a bearing on the original decision, including changes in the wider ecosystem for digital enterprises in Ireland and Dublin.

In that context, in late 2019 my Department initiated a strategic review of the DHDA in order to inform policy as to its future, including whether the DHDA continues to be required to meet a socio-economic need. This review was overseen by a cross departmental and agency steering group. The review has been completed and I will now consider it and then bring proposals to Government on the future of DHDA.