Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ar dtús, ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh an Aire go dtí an Teach. Bíonn sé anseo go minic agus tá áthas orm é a fheiceáil arís. I commend all ESB, local authority and Eircom workers, as well as gardaí, on the work they did to restore services during the recent storms in very dangerous conditions. Unfortunately, one Eircom subcontractor paid the ultimate price with his life while trying to restore telephone services.

I, along with other colleagues, have highlighted the deficiencies in broadband provision in rural parts. This Bill will enhance our broadband infrastructure, utilising the ESB’s networks which traverse our country. The extensive ESB network will provide an opportunity to extend the reach of fibre in Ireland with the potential to enhance the provision of high speed broadband and increase competition in the telecommunications market. The Bill provides an explicit legal basis to enable the ESB to engage in the business of electronic communications and services either by itself or in conjunction with other companies. It is a further step in Ireland positioning itself as a front runner in tackling the broadband infrastructure deficit.

Many small and medium-sized enterprises operate on the Cooley Peninsula in north Louth, employing up to 2,000 people from precision engineering to the hospitality sector. The area, however, has inefficient mobile telephony and broadband networks. I hope the Bill will enhance broadband provision there. This is a ground-breaking initiative, one which is in the spirit of the Government’s national broadband plan.

That plan specifically promotes the use of State assets to accelerate the roll-out of high speed broadband infrastructure and services. The Government is firmly committed to delivering high speed broadband throughout the country through a combination of commercial and State-led investment. The potential to use the ESB’s considerable network to deploy fibre will contribute to the commercial deployment of broadband. As I said, ESB networks traverse every townland throughout the country and it is great to see the co-operation by the ESB in regard to this initiative.

The national broadband plan is a clear expression of the importance of broadband infrastructure to the achievement of Ireland’s economic and social objectives. High speed, quality and reliable broadband, as an enabling infrastructure for economic and social development, is becoming a critical component of a 21st century society. I welcome the Minister's assurances that he will pursue the national broadband plan, which is essential. This Bill is a major and very important step in the provision of high standard, quality broadband, and is most welcome.