I wish to advise the Deputy that following the review undertaken on rationalisation of State agencies, insofar as Bodies under the aegis of my Department are concerned, it was determined that the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) will be merged with Dublin City Council (DCC). A transition team has been established to give effect to the transfer of the DHDA to DCC and administrative arrangements are being put in place, pending legislation being completed. This merger is expected to yield short term savings of approximately €400k, which amounts to over 20% of the Exchequer current subvention.
In addition, the Government also announced further proposed mergers, which include provision for the Ordnance Survey of Ireland, which is also under the aegis of my Department, to merge with the Valuation Office and Property Registration Authority. The lead Department in relation to this rationalisation is the Department of Justice and Equality. The merger potentially provides an opportunity for more efficient and cost-effective delivery of land and property administration services. Savings are likely to be achievable in the areas of common back office functions such as HR, conventional (non-specialised) IT systems, Financial Management and Corporate Services. There may also be potential savings in the areas of accommodation and software licences. There is also provision for the back-office administrative functions of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) to be merged with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI). I would advise the Deputy that neither BAI nor ComReg is Exchequer funded and as a result any savings achieved would not directly impact on the Exchequer.
