Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of Sinn Féin, I welcome the Bill. Ireland has been far behind in the provision of broadband services compared to other European countries, a fault that can be traced back, as has been referred to by previous speakers, to the privatisation of eircom in the late 1990s. Since that time, Ireland has being playing catch-up with our European neighbours in providing broadband services for all citizens.

It is welcome that the ESB is entering the telecommunications market, which can only be seen as a positive step. The ESB has a wide number of skilled staff who have developed a trusted relationship with households over many years since the formation of the company in the 1920s. It is a valuable State asset in terms of the Government's coffers and I hope its extension into the telecommunications market will ward off any thought of privatisation the Government might have.

Broadband is extremely important in developing an indigenous economy that is vibrant and competitive. It has enabled innovation and growth. It is estimated that the Internet contributes up to 6% of GDP in advanced economies and generates significant employment growth. Through online activity, the potential for participation in global trade is largely unlimited by location. Access to quality broadband can make distance much less relevant and be a catalyst in dispersing economic activity. The small and medium-sized enterprise sector is particularly important, accounting for 72% of manufacturing and services employment in Ireland. However, poor upload speeds have prohibited the use of video-conferencing, which is a particularly useful tool for businesses located on different sites and can significantly reduce business travel costs, especially for those located in more isolated areas.

In the national interest, growth in all regions should be optimised. To do this, all regions need to have a strong infrastructural base enabling them to compete, as well as to attract and retain investment and jobs. Arising from the liberalisation of the telecommunications market, private investment has been driving the roll-out of broadband infrastructure and services, nationally and internationally. Just like other types of infrastructure provision, population density is a determinant of the cost of delivery and potential returns. In County Kerry, for example, there is poor or even no broadband coverage in the more sparsely populated areas. While there is broadband in my area, it is very slow and does not enhance the prospects of small indigenous industries of being able to compete from there. County Kerry has often been the last to benefit from the provision of Government infrastructure, with those living in the Black Valley only receiving the benefits of electrification in the 1970s. The campaign for proper broadband access is the same as that fought 40 years ago by those who campaigned for running water and electricity. It seems to be a long time ago, but when one looks back, it is recent. With many services being rolled back in rural areas, including banking, post offices and Garda facilities, it is becoming increasingly important for households to have access to adequate broadband services. Unfortunately, it is also the case that parents need a functioning broadband connection when trying to communicate with their children who have emigrated to Australia, Canada, the United States and elsewhere, never more so than in the past five, six or seven years when many young people, particularly from more isolated areas, left their homes to work very far away. The most effective and, probably, intimate way people can keep in touch with each other is through a good broadband service.

County Kerry is one of the main tourism spots in the country. Broadband is now a staple that any visiting guest expects when he or she books into bed and breakfast accommodation or a hotel. What message does it send to visitors to the country if broadband does not come as standard? The Bill is a step in the right direction.

Semi-State companies investing in broadband access is a positive move and, hopefully, this will help correct the mistake of selling off Telecom Éireann and other mistakes of the past.

We in Sinn Féin will support this legislation.

See this speech in context