Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 13 March 2023 to Question 161241 on Broadband, if she will hold discussions with Innovate UK on taking steps to highlight the access of Northern Ireland businesses to gigabit-capable broadband to help increase (a) inward investment and (b) the growth of small and medium enterprises in that region.

Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the national funding agency investing in research & innovation which is sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Its main purpose is to invest in and facilitate research and innovation activities across the United Kingdom.

Innovate UK works closely with partners across government, including the Department of Business and Trade, to support attracting and retaining inward investment in Northern Ireland. This includes showcasing Northern Ireland’s excellent digital connectivity, including the widespread availability of gigabit-capable broadband, which is a key driver in Northern Ireland’s attractiveness as a place to live, work and invest.