2 Iúil 2014, 13:08
Committee to also consider supports for carers on both sides of border
2 July 2014
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement will tomorrow consider a cross border project to enhance communications technology in the Northwest.
The European Regions Network for the Application of Communications Technology (ERNACT) was established on a cross-border basis by Derry City and Donegal County Councils in 1991. The organisation works to develop a range of digital projects with the help of EU funding.
Committee Chairman Joe McHugh says: “Advanced communications infrastructure is vital for any modern economy and tomorrow we will have the opportunity to hear from representatives from ERNACT, who have been at the forefront of enhancing communications infrastructure in the Northwest. The region was a very different place when Derry City and Donegal County Councils came together to work on this project in 1991 for the benefit of citizens on both sides of the border. As well as a transformed political landscape, digital technology has also advanced at a breath-taking pace in the intervening years. We look forward to engaging with ENACT representatives on their longstanding work in this very practical area of cooperation.
“While urban areas across the island are relatively well connected, of particular interest to the Committee will be ERNACT’s work in connected rural communities on both sides of the border. ENRACT’s representatives are expected to outline models for delivering high quality fibre broadband to rural communities in Canada and Sweden. We look forward to engaging on how the lessons learned from other regions are being applied in the Northwest.”
\"Hopefully this debate will add value to today's announcement where ESB and Vodafone confirmed they are to invest €450 Million in Fibre Broadband across Ireland.
Separately, the Committee will meet with the Carers Cross-border Consortium on supports for carers on the island of Ireland.
Deputy McHugh continues: “This Committee has been closely examining issues related to cooperation in provision of health care, with a view to ensuring better health outcomes for the local populations on both sides of the border. Carers play an indispensable role in health provision north and south of the border and tomorrow’s engagement with the Carers Cross-border Consortium provides an opportunity to assess what opportunities exist for greater cooperation. The meeting will also provide an opportunity to assess the levels of support for carers in both jurisdictions and where lessons can be applied to enhance policy in this important area.”
The meeting takes place tomorrow Thursday 3 July at 10:15 am in Committee Room 4, LH 2000. It will commence with engagement with ERNACT and can be viewed online here.
Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.
Ends
For further information please contact:
Paul Hand,
Communications Unit,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
paul.hand@oireachtas.ie